Termiticide Treatment Safety: Is It Safe for Kids, Pets, and Gardens?

Discovering or even suspecting the presence of termites in your home can be a serious worry due to the severe damage they can cause and the likely cost of rectifying this damage. But you do not want to make the situation worse by using methods that may kill the termites but cause harm to your children or your pets.

Whatever treatment for termites you choose, you must be sure it will not harm anyone or anything else. Many people faced with the problem are seriously concerned about termiticide safety and question the use of certain processes. However, they need not worry if the correct types of treatment are used and are applied in a professional manner.

The Perils of DIY Treatment

Many people are tempted to try to solve the problem themselves by using off-the-shelf treatments. This is generally a mistake because these methods rarely get rid of the termites completely, and they are also a greater threat to children, pets and the environment.

Shop-bought treatments are convenient, easily accessed and relatively cheap, but they may not be very effective. They will rarely be able to eradicate a complete termite colony because, to do that, the queen needs to be killed, but is usually safely hidden away and cannot be reached by amateur means.

Disturbing termites often means that most of them will scatter and then reappear elsewhere, so that the treatment will have to be repeated.

Many amateurs are tempted to exceed the recommended dosage for treatment because they believe this will be more effective. Instead, all it does is increase the presence of potentially harmful chemicals. It is best to always adhere strictly to stated guidelines or, even better, use a professional to do the job effectively and safely.

Increased Safety with Professional Methods

A professional pest technician will recognise that every home and its pest problems are different and will act accordingly. That means using the safest and most effective methods and materials for the particular job and advising you of everything you need to do. Various treatments are available and will be focused on the particular problem:

• Liquid termiticides contain chemicals that can be toxic for humans and pets, but only when first applied. These chemicals are perfectly safe once they are dry and are very effective against termites. Many modern chemical treatments are water-based, not solvent or staining, with a low odour and do not harm plants when properly applied. Their effectiveness also means one treatment is usually sufficient and long-lasting, avoiding the need for repeat treatments.
• Bait stations contain a bait that is specifically designed for termites and is safe for humans, pets and plants. Stations are installed securely and checked regularly to ensure they are working correctly at all times.
• Physical barriers are effective at keeping pests out and do not affect humans or pets.
• Heat treatment kills termites with high temperatures and is perfectly safe once everything has cooled.
• Fumigation is a very comprehensive treatment for serious infestations, but it is the most disruptive since it involves flooding the property with a poisonous gas. Consequently, the property needs to be vacated for up to 72 hours so that the gas is cleared and the building is safe to use.

Treatments by professionals increasingly use plant-based ingredients that are better for the environment. These ingredients include neem oil, diatomaceous earth and citrus oil, which are efficient against termites but leave no harmful residue.

Recommended Precautions for Peace of Mind

Although treatments are perfectly safe when used properly, you can take certain precautions if you still have concerns:

• Request that low-toxicity treatments be used.
• Use disposable covers to protect furniture and play areas.
• Remove from the area items that are used by children and pets.
• Take children and pets away from the property for the duration of the treatment and a short time thereafter.
• Open windows and doors and use fans to clear any airborne residue.
• After the treatment, wait for 2–4 hours before re-entering.
• Wipe surfaces and children's toys to remove any remaining chemicals.
• Keep crawling infants off recently treated floors.

Effective and Totally Safe Methods

Whilst people may understandably have some concerns about the safety of termite treatments, there really is no need to be worried providing the correct methods are used appropriately. The best way is to always use an accredited professional for treatment and always follow the advice you are given.

At Dentec Pest Management , we recommend a process known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which uses a combination of methods, including regular inspections, to provide comprehensive protection. We also use low-toxicity treatments, including eco-friendly products where appropriate, to ensure complete safety for all occupants.

Our prime aims are to keep everyone safe and to protect people and property from the harmful effects of pests. To achieve these aims, we use the best-trained and most experienced technicians, the safest but most effective products and methods, we comply with all guidelines and industry standards, and we help and advise all our clients through the treatment and beyond.

Ignoring the threat of termites is not a sensible option, so safe and effective treatment delivered by a professional company is the best and most practical option. For peace of mind and a property that is free of pests, get in touch today to arrange a visit.