Question on termite treatment (house, live in, to move)

[gypsychic]

I got a card in the mail today from a company called Florida Bug Men. As it happens I had been looking for a company who does non-toxic treatments and this one does. Our house is a 1400 sq ft CBS structure built in the 50s. Built on a slab, with massive roof beams, so not a lot of wood but mostly in the roof. I was wondering if anyone has ever done the borate treatment instead of tent, and how effective is it, and a general cost? I want to go this route because again, not that much here, and we have pets and you dont have to move out when they do it. I'm not even sure if we have much infestation but I see evidence here and there that we have at least some.

Also, does anyone have experience with this company?

Thanks in advance!

[NYFL]

I can't comment on that company or borate. We just purchased a home that had dry wood termites in roof and we did have the house tented. I originally truly did not want to do the poison treatment, but honestly, after doing some research, i was convinced it was the only logical method. We used a company that came highly recommended - Veritas Pest management. They were excellent and I found them to be very trustworthy. I would give them a call and have them take a look.If you don't need it - I would trust them to tell you that.

[bbronston]

You might call Good News Pest Control. They use green methods of pest control. Do you think you have termites?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by bbronston

You might call Good News Pest Control. They use green methods of pest control. Do you think you have termites?

There is evidence in a few pieces of furniture but not sure about the house itself. As I said it is mostly block and stucco, other than the wood in the roof. Thank you for the recommendation.

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

There is evidence in a few pieces of furniture but not sure about the house itself. As I said it is mostly block and stucco, other than the wood in the roof. Thank you for the recommendation.

Don't forget, you still have wood studs within the block & the termites can eat through concrete. You may want to try Nature Zone; I work with Dee on a number of my properties that have dealt with same issue.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Ladywithafan

Don't forget, you still have wood studs within the block & the termites can eat through concrete. You may want to try Nature Zone; I work with Dee on a number of my properties that have dealt with same issue.

Thanks for the recommendation, Ladywithafan. It's nice to know there are a few pest control companies using less toxic treatment now.

[BethMac]

Do you have termites? I have a similar house, built in the 50s and every time I checked I had zero termites. The Orkin man suggested my concrete foundation may have been treated with a repellent common in those days but no longer used. We live in the forest but have never had any signs of termites without treatment. If you house is that old and has no sign of termite problems, it may have had a treatment that lasts for decades.

[craigiri]

I don't think anything will get rid of dry wood termites completely short of tenting.

The good news is that they eat slowly, so you rarely get the structural damage that would happen with ground termites.

I don't think Borax would work except short term on exposed wood.

[UTCLWR]

Originally Posted by Ladywithafan

Don't forget, you still have wood studs within the block & the termites can eat through concrete. You may want to try Nature Zone; I work with Dee on a number of my properties that have dealt with same issue.

Our house is all concrete block and metal studs. The only wood is part of the roof, under the tile. I have been wondering if we need to pay for the termite contract or if that would just be a waste of money.