Wood Treatment for Termites

One option to treat termite infestation that is gaining popularity is to treat the wood with a product containing boric acid. Boric acid is toxic to termites, but has extremely low toxicity to humans.

Several products containing boric acid and labeled for termite control are available. They are usually sprayed or brushed on to the wood, and this type of treatment can be quite effective if done properly.

 

Advantages:

 

• Very low toxicity.

• No necessity for soil treatments.

• Very effective against termites and several other wood-destroying insects.

• Very long residual effectiveness.

 

Disadvantages:

 

• Requires direct access to all wooden members that have the potential to be attacked, and so is usually considered more suitable as a pre-construction treatment or as a supplement to other treatments.

• Requires close coordination with the building contractor to insure that all treatments are carried out according to schedule.

• Tends to be rather time-consuming compared to other types of termite treatments.