Have you heard the best way to treat termites is to drill holes in walls or floors? Are you wondering why do they drill holes for termite treatment?
Do you need to drill holes? Why do they do this, What do they do with the hole?
I will cover everything you need to know below.
Why Do They Drill Holes for Termite Treatment?
Termite holes are drilled so that the chemical treatment can reach the termites so that they won’t be able to eat the affected wood or soil. In addition, the chemical agent will usually kill termites on contact.
This termiticide is often put in a perimeter around your home to prevent the termites from reaching it.
There’s a lot that goes into getting rid of and being prepared for those pesky critters, and being ready for termites is important if you live somewhere they’re common.
The rest of this article will walk you through why pest control companies have to drill holes to protect your home from termites.
How Far Apart Are Drill Holes for Termite Treatment?
It’s important to draw a distinction between different techniques and applications of drilling holes.
If the pest control company suspects that the termites are localized to a specific area of the house, they will drill holes direct near the affected area to kill the termites and dissuade them from staying.
The holes aren’t spaced in this case; they are drilled near where the exterminator believes the issue is.
For preventative measures to stop termites from visiting your humble abode, the entire perimeter of your home will be injected with chemical pesticides to kill termites.
Exterminators will install these holes about every 10-12 inches apart and a maximum of 3-4 inches away from the wall or foundation. Trenches injected with chemicals create a barrier that the termites are unable to cross.
What Size Drill Bit for Termite Treatment?
For drilling through concrete, you’ll need a hammer drill with a ½ x 18-inch drill bit. This allows for enough depths to reach the termites as well as providing enough space to inject the right amount of termiticide.
The size hole is also produces will be easy to fill in and cover once the treatment is complete.
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How Long Does Drilling for Termites Last?
Termite treatment typically provides protection from termites for 3-4 years, but there are some termiticides out there that last longer.
To avoid termites from getting into your home, you’ll need to reapply once the treatment begins to wear off. It’s important to note that a ‘bad’ job―not close enough to the foundation or not deep enough―will not protect from termites at all.
They’re resourceful little pests, and a thorough treatment is best to ensure that they don’t come knocking on your door.
What Is Injected into the Hole?
Termiticide renders the food source of termites inedible, starving the colony and hopefully killing them off entirely. Some other termiticides work in a completely opposite way―much like ant baits.
The termites don’t even know that the wood has been treated and will consume it as normal; however, when they bring the food back to the colony, they are unwittingly infecting everyone they come into contact with.
The formula is designed to seep into the soil, and exterminators will apply the treatment in holes drilled around the perimeter, creating an area the termites can’t pass without being infected.
Trenches are also dug to help maintain a protective ring around the home.
Can You Treat Termites without Drilling?
The answer whenever it comes to termite treatment is always on a case by case basis. You should contact a trusted pest control company the moment you see first signs of termites in your home.
Yes, it may be very expensive, but it’s worth it to protect your property. Treating without too much drilling can be done if caught early enough.
A localised treatment can be done (which will still require drilling into drywall) to termite-proof an affected area, but this may not be enough to protect your home fully.
Drilling is one of the few ways to address the issue completely and have peace of mind about termites in your home.
When it comes down to treating termites, it’s important to remember that the ugly look of holes dug all around the perimeter is well worth it when it comes to protecting your home.
Final Thoughts
Termites are a pain, and drilling is a common solution to address termite infestations. It works by injecting termiticide, which infects the termites and renders their food source inedible.
This is often installed near the foundation of your home (with a few exceptions) to create an actual ring of chemical protection for your house.
Most professional termite control companies will fill the holes after they’re done, so you don’t have to worry as much about holes all around your home.
