Fumigation or Spot Treatment?

Can we find every termite infestation?
It's next to impossible to locate every termite colony in floorboards, subfloors, load-bearing beams, the roof or wood fascia around windows. Unfortunately, an infestation in any of these places could mean serious structural damage. Likewise, even professional inspectors may not be able to find termites behind drywall, wood paneling or insulation. Only a whole house fumigation with Vikane* gas fumigant penetrates all infestations.

When to fumigate with Vikane:
When every infestation cannot be found.

When a spot treatment may be considered:
When every infestation has been found.

Do you need 100% assurance that all termites are killed?
Because not all termite infestations can be found, you can't be sure a spot treatment will completely eliminate them. Even if the queen is destroyed, a colony can remain alive and continue to grow. Fumigation, however, kills all detected and undetected termite colonies.

When to fumigate with Vikane:
When all termites must be killed.

When a spot treatment may be considered:
When complete eradication is not important.

How many infestations did we find?
More than one detectable infestation indicates a serious termite problem is likely. That's because termites in an infested home quickly set up additional colonies.

When to fumigate with Vikane:
When more than one infestation is found.

When a spot treatment may be considered:
When definitely only one accessible infestation is present.

Are the infestations accessible for treatment?
Assuming we find all termites hidden inside the walls and floors of your home, it may be difficult for spot treatment tools to reach them safely.

When to fumigate with Vikane:
When the infestations are not accessible.

When a spot treatment may be considered:
When the infestations are accessible.

Has your home had a drywood termite treatment before?
A spot treatment is a short-term solution dependent on the applicator's ability to find and treat all infestations. If you've had a drywood termite treatment in the last five years and you're having problems again, it's time to consider a more permanent solution.

When to fumigate with Vikane:
When the home was previously treated for termites.

When a spot treatment may be considered:
When the home has never been treated for termites and infestation is limited and accessible.

How old is your home?
If your home is five years old or older it's likely more than one colony is established. A spot treatment may not be sufficient.

When to fumigate with Vikane:
When the home is over five years old.

When a spot treatment may be considered:
In a newer home with no other indications that fumigation is needed.