Termites cause significant wood damage.
Termidor is a popular anti-termite treatment that is used in most areas where subterranean termite infestations are a significant problem. It's considered a reliable long-term treatment and is used by many professional termite exterminators. Not everyone is certain that Termidor is safe, though. Concerns about toxicity may discourage some people from using it. Research Termidor before you use it to make sure you're making an informed decision.
Function
Termidor is applied to soil areas around a building to kill termites as they try to enter the structure. This reduces the risk of continued structural damage. Termidor is advertised as being undetectable by termites. It kills termites tunneling in treated soil quickly, before they can return to the colony. Termites tunneling in lower-concentration soils take the chemical back to the colony and transfer it to other termites.
Time Frame
According to the Termidor company, Termidor applied according to label instructions eliminates termite infestations within three months of treatment. Termites that come in direct contact with strong concentrations die within a few hours. Termites exposed to transferred Termidor usually die within a few days. The length of time it takes for Termidor to affect a given termite colony depends on the size of the colony and its distance from the treated structure.
Considerations
Termidor's active ingredient is a pesticide called fipronil, which is banned in a number of countries. It is known for its detrimental effects on the French honeybee industry and the Louisiana crayfish industry. This relatively new insecticide has been approved for use by the EPA and is considered a low-toxicity pesticide. It can leach into local ground water and stays in the soil for long periods.
Benefits
Termidor is a long-lasting, effective treatment against subterranean and drywood termite infestations. It can be used in both commercial and residential situations and does not harm plants adjacent to the areas where it has been applied. The pesticide has been tested in numerous trials and has government approval. When applied by trained professionals, the risk of health problems from Termidor is relatively low.
Warning
Exposure to improperly applied Termidor can cause health problems, including weakness, dizziness, nausea and headaches, and sometimes eye irritation and damage. The EPA classifies fipronil, the active ingredient in Termidor, as a carcinogen. In laboratory animal tests, the pesticide caused malignant and benign thyroid tumors. Never attempt to apply Termidor on your own, and check the background of any company you hire to apply the product.
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