Anyone have any experiences dealing with termites?

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Apparently, we’ve got both wood and subterranean types. We’ve been offered a quote for both chemical fumigation (which I am adamantly against), and heat treatment from two companies. One of the companies has indicated they have seen no success with heat treatment, which would be my preferred method. Any Poalrs have experience with heat treatment? Or advice?

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Thank you, Fumduck, I appreciate the reply. No children at home (all adults), and husband is leaning toward the chemical option (tenting and gassing the fuck out of the interior). I’m just not willing. I’m thinking heat (140+F), then spot spray problem areas, with bait stations outside around the perimeter. We’ll see what happens. If it doesn’t work, I’ll reconsider. Honestly, don’t care the cost. I care NOT to coat the entirety of the interior of my home with chemicals.

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Lots of suburbs in North Carolina were built over massive termite colonies and they were virtually impossible to get rid of. Worse than ground yellow jackets. I'd move.

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Do the math.... repairing damage from termites is far cheaper than actually treating for them. Make a full repair, do some DIY treatments, and then be ready to repair again in ten years.

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Part of the issue with that approach is the termites are apparently in a support beam. Don’t want to even fathom the cost and headache of replacing that. But seems like a novel approach. I’ll look into it. Thanks.

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Elderly dad had them for years apparently, not sure what kind but mud tunnels everywhere. I got on amazon ordered something you poured into a 2ft deep x 2ft wide trench, dug by an out of shape 48 yo woman w a 89 yo man following close behind with a steel tape, 6 yr guarantee and it actually worked..they ate the walls, trim boards, and some things that were just sitting around..they didn't touch the joists? at all..he had them for at least 15 yrs, said if the tunnels were moist they were active, if dry dormant and leave them lest you stir them up...good luck

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Thanks for the input. Sounds like subterranean termites, and that you treated solely from the ground outside of the structure. I will further research that further. Mine appear to be in the attic only. Again, thanks!

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We did the orange oil and some wood replacement, they haven't come back. I once read if you lay down a layer of gypsum under the foundation will stop ground termites. I bet diatomaceous earth would work well too.

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If it's a small infestation, neem oil and boric acid could help. Boric acid kills termites by ingestion & neem oil kills by direct contact and also acts as a repellant.

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Thank you for the reply. Apparently, it’s not a small infestation. It’s in at least 4 different areas of the house.

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Thank you. We did the orange oil spot treatment, which seemed to work for a little while, but the termites seemed to come back even stronger lol. I’m really looking for input if anyone has used the heat method.

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