Pest Resources

Best termite killer spray

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An infestation left untreated can lead to severe termite damage to your home. There are many ways to treat termite infestations, and termite killers are faster and offer practical solutions to deal with termites.

What chemical kills termites?

Effective termiticides are available in stores and online, like liquid treatment, bait stations, foams, pest control solutions, and many more. A DIY termite treatment is acceptable for small infestations. However, an infestation in wood can quickly become too large and severe and is best dealt with by professional pest control companies.

In this article, we have reviewed six of the best termite killer sprays and best termite treatments. We have also reviewed the best professional pest control companies specializing in termite treatments and other wood-infesting insects.

Let’s get started on the best termite killers!

We think it is essential to know about the significant termiticides and insecticides so that you can decide which product to use.

Termiticides and insecticides

Permethrin occurs naturally from the chrysanthemum flower. It causes paralysis and death to insects.

Bifenthrin is a pyrethroid extract that occurs naturally. It will affect an insect’s nerve cells leading to death.

Fipronil is a powder that kills insects by binding to the insects’ nerve endings, shutting down the nervous system.

Imidacloprid is an insecticide that kills the nerves and will shock the insect leading to death. It is found in plants like tobacco.

Hexaflumuron is an insect growth regulator. Hexaflumuron interferes with chitin synthesis, meaning termites cannot form new exoskeletons. It is often used in bait stations.

Deltamethrin paralyzes the nervous system of insects such as termites and bed bugs.

Cyfluthrin affects the central nervous system causing paralysis and death to insects.

Our top best termite sprays for 2022

Our top termite killers are:

Taurus SC: We found this best overall.

Spectracide terminate termite detection: best bait stations to get rid of termites and a Carpenter ant infestation.

Bonide Systemic Insect control: best value and long-lasting control.

Terro T1901: Good value for money.

Termidor foam: best foam.

BioAdvance’s ant and termite killer: Best for wood.

Taurus SC: Best termite killer overall

Pros

  • Pet-friendly

  • Kills insects and termites at their source

  • Effective against other insects

  • It lasts up to 10 years

Cons

  • More expensive than other termite killer options

  • Effort-intensive application

A brief summarization

It lasts for: Gives up to ten years of control against termites.

Active ingredient: Fipronil.

Works as quickly as: Less than three months.

Taurus SC is a liquid termite killer and highly concentrated. It is applied into a trench around the perimeter of your property to form a barrier to kill termites. The worker termites walk through the protective barrier and take the poison to the other termites in the termite colony, eradicating termites, including the egg-producing queen.

Taurus SC kills other insect pests like ants, wasps, roaches, centipedes, and other pests such as Black widow spiders, Cellar and Hobo spiders, Brown recluse spiders, Box elder bugs, dog ticks, Cluster flies, European earwigs, House crickets, Millipedes, Silverfish, Paper wasps, and Yellowjackets.

For application, mix the concentrated solution according to the manufacturers’ directions. You will need to dig a six-inch trench around the perimeter of your home and pour the mix into it every ten feet.

Please be aware that Taurus SC in some states has restricted use to licensed applicators only, so please check before purchase and use.

Spectracide terminate

Pros

  • Spraying not required

  • Easy to use

  • Simple installation

  • Will detect the presence of termites

Cons

  • Suitable for mild infestations only

  • Toxic to aquatic animals, not to be used around ponds and water

A brief summarization

It lasts for: One year

Active ingredient: Hexaflumuron

Works as fast as: The time varies

Spectracide terminate has two functions, pop-up indicators that detect termites and stakes that kill foraging termites. The product is easy to install and can be installed within minutes.

Each set has fifteen stakes, locator shields, instructions, and a tool to dig.

Place the stakes in the ground three feet from your home and not more than ten feet apart. Check regularly the pop-up indicator to see if termite activity has been indicated. It is a good idea to place the stakes in moisture-rich soil rather than areas that are dryer, as termites prefer moisture.

When foraging termites discover the stakes, they pick up the bait and take it to the termite colony giving it to the other termites. The chemicals used are strong and can be toxic to aquatic animals.

Bonide Systemic insect control

Pros

  • Will kill termites and other pests like aphids and gnats

  • It is mess-free, using dry granules and no spraying involved.

  • Lasts for up to eight weeks after application

Cons

  • It can be harmful to bees and hummingbirds.

  • It cannot be used on edible plants such as fruits and vegetable plants

A brief summarization

It lasts for: Up to eight weeks

Active ingredient: Imidacloprid kills and controls termites and other wood-destroying bugs

Works as fast as: Forty-eight hours

Bonide Systemic insect control is a granule termite killer; when applied, it gets absorbed into the roots of plants and poisons the existing termites and insects when they eat the plants.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. To give you an idea, the granules are sprinkled into the soil around the yard and watered. Do not use on edible plants.

Bonide Systemic insect control is effective against more than just termites; it will kill other insects like gnats, mealybugs, fungi, whitefly, and aphids.

This pesticide can harm hummingbirds and bees, so please keep that in mind. The granules will provide eight weeks of protection; therefore, after eight weeks, they will need to be reapplied in the growing season for the termite problems and other insects to be eradicated.

Terro T 1901

Pros

  • Kills wood-damaging insects like Carpenter ants, Carpenter bees, wood wasps, and subterranean termites.

  • It has a two-way spray nozzle allowing you to spray in hard-to-reach places like crevices.

  • One of the best termite killer sprays.

  • Kills directly on contact.

  • It can be for both indoor and outdoor use.

Cons

  • The manufacturer does not recommend the product for a termite treatment on its own against an active infestation.

  • The termite spray is better for killing a single drywood termite or Carpenter ant problem than an entire colony.

Brief summarization

It lasts for: Up to a month

Active ingredient: Deltamethrin

Works as fast as: Kills on contact

Terro T1901 comes in a sixteen-ounce can, effective against wood-destroying insects like termites, Carpenter bees, and Carpenter ants.

You can use the termite spray on termites and other pests directly or spray into cracks and crevices. The termite spray has two nozzles allowing you to spray narrowly or broadly. If you have closed voids, you must drill holes eight inches apart and spray into the holes.

As far as termite sprays go, this product is excellent; it kills on contact, lasts for a month, is non-staining without any unpleasant odors, and can be used indoors and outdoors.

The producers advise not to use the termite spray on kitchen countertops near food. They also suggest that it is not for the sole protection against termites and recommend that a professional termite control expert inspects for active termite infestations.

Termidor Foam

Pros

  • It can be used indoors for termite control.

  • This termite killer lasts for over one month.

  • After application, the foam will expand up to thirty times in volume

Cons

  • Not ideal for the home’s perimeter

  • It might not work as well as termite baits and barriers

Brief summarization

It lasts for: Four to six weeks

Active ingredient: Fipronil

Works as fast as: Ninety days

Termidor foam is an excellent termite killer because it can be used inside to kill termites, unlike most termite baits and barrier treatments. Another great thing about Termidor foam is the long-lasting formula and odorless foam.

Termite sprays do not expand; Termidor foam does, in fact, up to thirty times more after application allowing you to treat inside cracks and crevices with ease.

Aim Termidor foam into cracks around the home to kill termites without any nasty odors.

Bioadvances ant and termite killer

Pros

  • Bioadvanced termite killer is safe indoors and outdoors.

  • Kills termites on contact.

  • This termite treatment provides a protective barrier around the home.

  • It will kill over ninety different insects, like spiders, flies, stink bugs, and Carpenter bees, including multiple species of termites and other wood-destroying pests.

Cons

  • The concentrated style product cannot be used indoors. However, the ready-to-use version is safe for indoor use.

  • Not suitable for the winter season.

Brief summarization

Lasts for: Up to three months

Active ingredient: Cyfluthrin

Works as fast as: Kills termites on contact

Bioadvances ant and termite killer kills over eighty species of insects, including stink bugs, yellow jackets, ticks, fleas, crickets, and more.

BioAdvances Ant & Termite Killer kills over eighty types of pests, including many species of termites, wood-destroying insects, yellow jackets, and more. It is excellent for creating a broad-spectrum outdoor perimeter around your home. However, it can also be used around indoor cracks, crevices, and baseboards. This product will kill on contact and will last up to three months.

What is the most effective termite control treatment?

DIY termite control can be a good short-term idea, and if you have termites outside in the soil, for example; however, a pest control company’s most effective termite treatment to eliminate termites inside should be carried out. They can offer the best termite control treatment because they have access to the best equipment and products to which you and I do not have access.

Homeowners with a severe infestation of termites need to ensure all termites or wood-destroying insects are killed indoors and outdoors. Killing termites is not easy, as termites are very good at hiding. A professional pest control company will identify the wood-eating pests in your home and have the knowledge to produce a termite treatment plan to get rid of the termites or other types of infestation.

What are the common signs indicating a termite infestation?

A Subterranean termite must stay moist to survive; it will do this by living under the soil and building mud tubes to travel to wooden structures. The mud tubes are made from wood and earth and are pencil-width. You may notice mud tubes on your home’s walls and foundations, in the basement, or on wooden structures around the house and yard.

Termite droppings are an indication of a termite infestation. The droppings are brown/black pellets found on the surface of wooden structures, floorboards, and windowsills. Termite excrement is also known as frass.

Flying termites are an indication of mature termite colonies nearby. Winged termites resemble ants like flying Carpenter ants. Termites and Carpenter ants both swarm to reproduce and build new colonies. After the nuptial flight, they discard their wings. If you notice piles of wings, it could indicate a termite infestation or Carpenter ants.

Hollow-sounding wood, when tapped, can be an indication of termites. Drywood termites and Subterranean termites eat inside the wood, leaving it sounding hollow.

Termite activity can leave the wood looking blistered and peeling.

A musty smell in a property can indicate a termite infestation.

How can I prevent termites both indoors and outside?

Remove humid, moist conditions in the home using ventilation and a dehumidifier. Termites love moisture. Removing it will repel termites.

Preventing termites outside

  • Repair any leaking pipes, faucets, showers, and baths to deter termites.

  • Use wood both indoors and outside that has been treated against termites.

  • Keep firewood stored away from the property.

  • Remove fallen trees, leaves, and tree stumps from the yard.

  • Clogged-up gutters full of leaves and pine needles provide a moist environment for termites. Clear them regularly to avoid a termite problem.

  • Do not use mulch near the foundations. It contains wood chips and moisture that will attract termites.

  • Make regular checks of the foundations for cracks and crevices that will provide entry points for termites and other pests, such as wood-infesting beetles and Carpenter ants.

  • Do not use sprinklers or water systems near the foundations. Avoid planting shrubs and trees near the foundations.

  • Check the trees in the yard; if they are overhanging onto the roof, have them cut back.

The best professional pest control companies

Terminix: Best overall with over ninety years of experience.

Orkin: Best emergency service

Hawx pest: Best localized pest control company

Aptive: Most customizable

Trugreen: Best lawn pest control

And finally,

We presented the ‘Best termite killer spray’ treatments and their uses and ingredients. However, the best treatment for a severe termite infestation will need a professional pest control expert to provide the treatment to get rid of these wood-destroying pests.

We hope you have found our article helpful and informative.

Good luck!

Ronald has 25 years of pest control experience under his belt. He scrutinizes each control method, product and process to prevent infestations effectively. 

Read more here.

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