Alternative Pest Control

Termites are a thorn in any home-owners side. Especially so if the house is mostly built out of wood. And it’s not just termites you need to worry about; there are also ants, roaches and other pests. You can get rid of the normal way, by fumigation (this method will be discussed in more detail later) but there are ways of alternative pest control. At ECOLA TERMITE SERVICES, you have a choice.

Fumigation use to be the only method of getting rid of termites for over 40 years. Fumigation completely rids the structure of all drywood termites. Methyl bromide gas used to be used, but has been phased out in the U.S. and been replaced by sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane®). The procedure of fumigation is highly technical. Luckily, there are alternative pest control methods now available that are a bit easier. A gas-tight tarpaulin surrounds the structure and the gas is released inside. The structure needs to be evacuated overnight. All plants and pets must be removed and all food must be removed or protected (Nylo fume bags are provided by ECOLA TERMITE SERVICES). The house needs to be aerated and tested to make sure there is no fumigant left before the house can be occupied again. The fumigant is a true gas and works as a component of air, so therefore no cleaning of surfaces is needed. This method takes up a lot of time and labour, so ECOLA TERMITE SERVICES also offers alternative pest control methods to homeowners.

Non-chemical alternative pest control treatments provided by ECOLA TERMITE SERVICES include Direct Heat™, the Electro Gun, the Microwave and Orange Oil.

Direct Heat™ is a compartmental treatment, meaning that certain sections can be chosen to eradicate the drywood termites. Using Direct Heat™ in a couple rooms, an attic or an apartment can take from four to twelve hours. All heat sensitive articles are removed form the area, and the infested area is separated by means of polyethylene or vinyl sheets. Temperature probes are placed in the areas that are the hardest to heat. Heat is then applied with a high-output propane heater. Once the correct temperature has been achieved and the termites are killed, the area is quickly cooled, and can be immediately occupied once again. This alternative pest control treatment is much quicker than traditional fumigation.

The Electro Gun is an effective alternative pest control treatment. The probe of the gun is passed slowly over the wood that is infested, and is also inserted into any holes in the wood. The gun emits high voltage and low current energy to electrocute the termites in that specific area.

Microwave energy, another alternative pest control method, kills termites by heating them. The microwave energy is applied to small sections of the infested wood. This equipment however, is not designed to treat areas with limited access.

Orange oil is an alternative pest control product with a low toxic level. It kills termites on contact. While Orange oil is easy to use, it is also a very time-consuming procedure.