Termite containment in unit (apartment, rent, home)

[Serafino33]

The Short Version: I am not sure of the practicalities, legalities, and safety of doing my own termite treatments inside a stand alone unit I rent. Can/should I use a foam termicide? Should I try borate solutions and just keep applying periodically? Is there some magic termite poison that will kill a nest without invasive treatments or harming me?

Many thanks for any help!

The Details: I have had trouble with swarmers inside the apartment for a few years. They seem to be subterranean, as there are mud tubes from a trim board and along one window sill in the living room. A large swarm and many stragglers have come from a hidden hole behind the metal window frame of another window in the living room (different wall). There is frass on the floor in a corner of the bathroom, and recently quite a bit of frass on the other side of that wall next to a trim board in the kitchen.

The property management company changes once a year, and so far all that has been done is a maintenance man finally applied some foam to spots in the basement late last year. They made no attempt to address the sites inside the unit. There is evidence the property owner is very reluctant to spend money on her multiple properties.

I keep the landlord informed of events inside the unit but until they decide to properly treat the property I need to do something to stop the termites from coming into the unit. Currently I am on alert all the time, with curtains pulled away from windows and plastic covering affected areas. I'm embarrassed to have visitors and would worry about leaving for a vacation. I know termites don't always go after furniture but I have seen them try it with one chair, and I have wood for a hobby and musical instruments in my place which I would hate to see damaged. "Quiet enjoyment" this ain't!

[Serafino33]

Aww c'mon, nobody? Well thanks for reading.

[derekjones]

There are a few different over consumer friendly treatments for termites. The spray foam and one you bury in the ground. I've used the spray to spot treat and it works, haven't used the kind you bury. Since it's only a unit you rent you may not want to do anything too invasive. Maybe call your management company out and see if they'll get a pest inspection done on the home or you could do it yourself ($100). Take the report and show your management company as they may be more willing to take care of the problem if it's property documented.

Usually to treat a termite company would dig/drill into the ground/concrete to get them at their source.

Good luck.