There’s Only One Path to 100 Percent Elimination
Drywood termites cause an estimated $300 million in damage each year in California alone. They also destroy properties in Florida, Gulf Coast states and Hawaii. Structural fumigation is recognized as the only proven way to eliminate all drywood termites from a building, according to university researchers, state regulatory agencies, home mortgage lenders and pest management professionals.
Structural Fumigation is Essential
Whole-structure fumigation is the only termite treatment that can ensure 100 percent elimination of drywood termites. Any building with wood in the structure is susceptible to infestation.
A treatment with Vikane® gas fumigant penetrates all air spaces inside the structure, including inside the infested wood. It’s why structural fumigation is the only proven way to get 100 percent drywood termite elimination.
Drywood vs. Subterranean Termites
It is important to know the difference between drywood and subterranean termites. The critical distinction is where they live. As the name implies, subterranean termite colonies live in underground nests where they get the moisture needed to survive — they will rapidly die if exposed to open air. In contrast, drywood termite colonies live completely inside wood in coastal areas where humidity is high.
Inspections and Treatments
Because subterranean termites live in the soil and must move from there into the home for the wood they attack, detection is possible by focusing the inspection on the gap between the ground and the wood above. Treatment is done either by creating an insecticide soil barrier around and beneath the home or by installing termite bait stations to eliminate the colony altogether.
Because a drywood termite infestation is contained entirely inside the wood, detection can be difficult for even an expert. Common evidence of a drywood infestation may include small piles of “frass” (termite excrement) found directly below “kick-out” holes in the wood or the wall above. Other evidence includes live termite “swarmers” (reproductives), discarded wings or visible damage to wood. However, if the infestation is in roof rafters or other areas where physical inspection is impossible, the colony will continue destroying wood from the inside out until the infestation becomes severe enough to finally be observable. Only structural fumigation is proven to eliminate all infestations.
Watch our video on how to prepare your home
Eliminate 100% of Drywood Termites in Multi-unit Properties.
Drywood termites cause hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage each year. And considering how quickly a single colony can infest neighboring units, it’s important to you and everyone in your building that all drywood termites are eliminated.
Treatment with Vikane® fumigant is the only method that eliminates 100% of drywood termites. For more than 50 years, in more than 3 million structures, Vikane has proven effective in eliminating 100% of drywood termites because it moves throughout all the wood. It reaches drywood termites wherever they set up camp. So-called spot treatments require a pest management professional to locate a colony, which is difficult because termites are often found in attics, crawlspaces, walls and other hard-to-reach places.
Treatment with Vikane contains only a few steps. A professional fumigator carefully prepares and tents the structure, and all
people and pets inside leave. The tent is filled with Vikane, and the fumigant seeks out every termite no matter where it’s hiding. Every single termite in the structure will die. When the process is complete, the tent is vented, and the Vikane completely dissipates and exits the structure. 100% of drywood termites will be gone, without odor or surface residues left behind. Fumigators who use Vikane are licensed professionals who must meet strict requirements set by the state in which they work. Further, extensive stewardship processes ensure proper application and safe handling procedures. Vikane is manufactured in the nited States in accordance with the high standards of the American Chemistry Council.
Communication between landlords and tenants is important for apartment and condo owners, building managers and the fumigation company. Residents and tenants are understandably sensitive about protecting their valuables and want to return to
a pest-free home. With consideration for their concerns and the proven, 100% effectiveness of Vikane, fumigation is in their best interest.
®Trademark of Douglas Products. Vikane is a federally Restricted Use Pesticide. Always read and follow label directions.