Termites? Learn Why You Should Not Tent Your Home
When an inspection reveals that you have a termite infestation in your home, you will immediately start thinking about the best and quickest solutions to deal with it. Tenting your house may seem like a good option, but there are several reasons why you should avoid it.
1. It doesn't guarantee complete eradication
Two main types of termites invade homes: subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites live underground in colonies. They build protective tunnels out of mud on surfaces to gain access to food sources. They need water to survive, and they typically find it in soil or wet wood. Drywood termites are the opposite. They can live in dry wood and don't require water to survive, so you will often find them on window frames and trim or in attics.
Tenting affects only the colonies of drywood termites. Subterranean termites enter your house from beneath using tunnels from their colonies. Tenting will hardly impact them since they live deep underground.
2. It's hazardous to your health
The most commonly used gas in tenting is sulfuryl fluoride. It is odorless and colorless, meaning humans can neither smell nor see it when present in an area. It was introduced in 1959 as an insecticide, then went through rigorous laboratory testing until 1993, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) re-registered it, classifying it as a restricted-use pesticide.
This chemical irritates the nose, eyes, and respiratory system. Exposure can also cause seizures, muscle twitching, abdominal pain, vomiting, numbness, weakness, pulmonary edema, and slowed speech and motor movements. In extreme situations, it can cause brain neuron damage and death. That's why the EPA suggests relying on professionals such as All Pests Solutions Inc. to protect your home by intercepting colonies before they can enter.
3. It's costly
Tenting your house can cost up to several thousand dollars, depending on the size and extent of the infestation. This price does not include the cost of other treatments that may be necessary to target subterranean termites. Additionally, your furniture and personal items must be removed from the house for tenting to take place, so you would also need to factor in any costs associated with this.
Keep in mind that you must also do it when the weather is good. If it rains or is windy, the chemical might leak, and you'll have to start the entire process again.
4. It takes a lot of time
You will likely need to vacate your home for at least two days while the tent is up and the gas is released. You may also need to wait for a period of up to two weeks before entering the home after tenting is completed. This waiting period will allow any remaining gas to dissipate and ensure that the house is safe for re-entry.
5. It can damage your house
Tenting exposes your home to extreme heat and cold temperatures, depending on the season. This can cause cracks in the exterior of the house, which could lead to further structural damage down the line. Additionally, many combustible substances, like paint, may catch fire due to high temperatures during tenting.
Other options
Tenting is not the best option when it comes to dealing with a termite infestation. It's expensive, dangerous to your health, and can damage your home. There are more effective methods for getting rid of termites, such as drilling holes in your walls and injecting insecticides directly into them. For any questions or to know more about pest control, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.
