Anyone do DIY Termite treatment?

[Paddy]

Looks like main product used is Termidor SC or HE. The SC can be bought by DIY. The concept is to dig a very shallow trench and saturate at a rate of 4 gal/10 ft for the SC and 2 gal/10 ft for HE. I don't think the TE is available for DIY.

We don't have a major invasion, just a few feet in via a door frame. In fact, we have no structural wood in our concrete and steel home.

 

[TnAndy]

I just ordered Taurus SC, the generic version of Termidor SC at about 1/2 the price. Same chemically, same dilution rate, etc.

We had a swarm outside one wall of the house, first I'd ever seen around the house, so I'm assuming I have some inside as well. House is on a slab at that point, with the walls close to dirt level, easy penetration for them. I treated under the slab when building the house in the 80's with Chlordane. Termidor stuff is supposed to be THE trick for termites now days.

 

[Paddy]

TnAndy,

Where did you buy it? Do you have to be "licensed" in TN?

I had two quotes and both would use Termidor, one the SC and the other HE. Both look very simple to use. After looking at the cost of material, I'll do it myself.
My plan is to do one side at a time and not feel I have to do it all at once. We are on a steep slope so I will need to make short level trenches. I also plan to rod holes in the bottom of the trench to get deep penetration. We have an ICF house and that means foam insulation below grade. Our investigation is at a doorway so it was a short tunnel to wood.

My concern is If I don't go deep, they can tunnel in the foam deep and skip the Termidor. I understand termites have to live in the "live zone" of soil. You can really see what is live zone when you pull a rotted pole and post, rotted at the top foot or so. I work in the power industry and saw a presentation on power pole rot, yes very exciting. But the message was, rot occurs where there is oxegen.

Many of us have read where logs buried deep won't rot. The Brookland Bridge is built on wood casinos, Venice Italy is built on wood piers.

 

[sixdogs]

let me offer what I have just learned regarding a pesticide and herbicide spray license. Basically, the states administer and educate people to gain a competency license to use certain chemicals and procedures to kill pests. The home study materials are dirt cheap (mine $35) and very thorough. They are administered in most states through the State's Dept of Agriculture. One of the tests is for wood eating insects/termites.

Even if you never sat for the test, there is enough good information in the study materials that it's way better than doing it blind by yourself. I learned things I never knew despite the home spraying of herbicides for decades. Just a thought.

 

[TnAndy]

TnAndy,

Where did you buy it?

Do It Yourself Pest Control Products Online | Fast & Free Shipping

Termador SC 9.1% Fipronil 20oz container $69

Taurus SC 9.1% Fipronil 20oz container $43.50
78oz container $100

Both mix 0.8oz per gallon, both pour 4 diluted gallons in 10' of trench around foundation.

No license required.