Is anyone here smarter about termites than I am? (house, floor)

[Voebe]

Specifically, I'm interested in any comparisons about the relative merits of Termidor, which has been the gold standard, and the newer Altriset.

It's probably not too likely that anyone has tried both, but I thought I'd ask.

[gemstone1]

This site "do your own" can probably give you all the info you need on both...

Regards
Gemstone1

[Voebe]

I think a site for selling will just extol the merits of the product - but, thanks, interesting site. I'm a little startled that professional-grade pesticides would be on a DIY site!

[Hal Roach]

They have been known to eat concrete.

[Voebe]

Originally Posted by Hal Roach

They have been known to eat concrete.

Not sure if you're serious...?

[PhureeKeeper]

Maybe Hal is right about the concrete....or he's kidding and it was a coincidence for me, but that's how I found the termite infestation in my house. The trails were in the stem wall surrounding my garage. That's concrete, not wood.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by PhureeKeeper

Maybe Hal is right about the concrete....or he's kidding and it was a coincidence for me, but that's how I found the termite infestation in my house. The trails were in the stem wall surrounding my garage. That's concrete, not wood.

Termites will find a way into your house if there are cracks in the concrete, but they can't actually eat through it. Once they make their way in, it's meal time if your home has a wood frame (which it likely does), and they also can chew through dry wall. Termites are a major problem here ... in fact, our location happens to be on top of a very active termite belt. Fumigating is one method of treatment, but that's not a permanent solution. I don't recommend it anyway for health reasons.

[terb]

The best for termites is chlordane and it last 40-60 years......

[gemstone1]

"The best for termites is chlordane and it last 40-60 years.....". and when did you last use chlordane ?

"Chlordane, or chlordan, is an organochlorine compound used as a pesticide. It is a white solid. In the United States, chlordane was used for termite-treatment of approximately 30 million homes until it was banned in 1988".

Before 1978, chlordane was also used as a pesticide on agricultural crops, lawns, and gardens and as a fumigating agent. Because of concerns over cancer risk, evidence of human exposure and build up in body fat, persistence in the environment, and danger to wildlife, the EPA canceled the use of chlordane on food crops and phased out other above-ground uses over the next 5 years. In 1988, when the EPA canceled chlordane's use for controlling termites, all approved use of chlordane in the United States stopped. Manufacture for export continues..

link

regards
Gemstone1

[coolgato]

I might have termites, but then again the this small damage could have been done by ants. I saw what looked like a termite exit hole, but it could have been made by ants. If I have termites, I would not fumigate (tenting). I would think of orange oil or a borate solution. Even if the orange oil and borate solution is not as effective as the Vikane (?) or more stronger chemicals, I am still thinking the orange oil or borate will at least slow them down. We never had termites before, so this is the first time if we do have them. I have been looking for tubing and signs and haven't seen any. The only thing is on the floor there are two areas which seem to be bumps, and this could just be rolled up carpet foam pile.