QUESTION:
How long can I expect my termite treatment to continue to protect my home?

ANSWER:
The time that a termite treatment can be expected to continue to protect your home can vary depending on several factors. Some of these may be Type of Chemical used, Type of Soil, Weather, New Landscaping and of course the Quality of the Original Treatment. I’ve heard some say you can expect about 5 years out of your termite treatment. This is based in part on a study done by the USDA Forestry Service several years ago which produced results of between 3 & 7 years. Also the EPA requires a termiticide to have an efficacy of 5 years before it can be registered. This does not mean a Termiticide will not last and continue to protect past 5 years. Some Non-Repellant Termiticides guarantee their product for several more years, Such as Termidor (10 Years) & Premise® (7 Years).

Make sure to you ask questions when you are considering a termite treatment. Such as, does the manufacturer back their product with a guarantee? How long the treatment is guaranteed for and if the guarantee can be renewed? If the guarantee can be renewed then how many years can you renew it before the company will require you to pay an additional cost so they can apply additional treatment to continue your termite protection coverage? Also, how does the chemical work? (How does it kill termites?) What conditions will void your guarantee with the company? If you sell your home, will the guarantee transfer to the new owner and if so how much will it cost to transfer?

Remember is always a good idea to continue your termite coverage with out interruption. A small renewal fee each year is a drop I the bucket to the amount termite damage can cost to fix.

View previous articles:
Do baits work better than conventional termiticide liquid soil treatments?

Please submit your questions to samsmith@pestarresters.com or call 252-247-9911 or 1-888-BUG-9911 to ask your question. If we choose your question to answer here we will give you a FREE! Pest Control Service of your choice! (Termite work excluded).

You can also get information in the "Advice from the Professionals" section
of the Sunday Edition of the Carteret County News-Times.