DIY Termite Treatment VS Professional Termite Control, Which Is Best?

DIY termite treatments usually end in disaster for homeowners, it’s no secret that the costs of everyday living can become overwhelming. With mortgage repayments, insurance, utility bills, groceries, fuel, and more, it can certainly feel as though expenses are never ending.

This is why many home owners are opting for cheap DIY termite treatment options.

Let’s face it, chemical termite barriers can be considered by many to be a rather costly exercise. Pricing typically starts at around $2,500 for a regular sized three bedroom home. However, for larger properties it can range anywhere from $3-$5,000 or more.

With the increased popularity of “do it yourself” home renovations and repairs on the rise, there has also been an increase in DIY pest prevention and treatments. In fact, many retail outlets and hardware stores such as Bunnings are offering low cost termite treatment solutions to customers as a cheaper alternative.

In a recent case study video below, a client contacted Pest-Ex after purchasing DIY Termite baits and having a $25,000 repair bill 12 months later as he thought he had the termites under control. We encourage all homeowners to seek professional advice in regards to termite control and your specific home, after all a site visit assessment by us is free.

But do these at home remedies really work? And will using a cheaper do it yourself treatment really save you money in the long term?

Getting rid of termites isn’t as easy as you might think

It can be easy to assume that eradicating termites is a straight forward process. Believe it or not, we’ve found homeowners literally squirting handheld water bottles mixed with Bunnings products around the perimeter of their homes onto the grass, thinking they were taking proactive steps towards preventing termites.

What people fail to realise is the sheer amount of chemical that is required in order to properly protect a home. For most homes having a chemical barrier installed, over 600 litres of product is usually required. This liquid is injected deep into the soil (at least 300mm) around the property using specialised high pressure equipment, which creates a barrier designed to disrupt the natural path termites take when foraging for food.

So for anyone purchasing a few litres of chemical that they intend on “squirting” around the yard, they’re going to be in for a shock once they realise the structural integrity of their homes have been compromised by termites.

Another important factor that most homeowners are unaware of is the actual strength of the chemicals being used. Professional pest control technicians use chemicals that have undergone rigorous testing and development to ensure they are set at a certain mixture rate that provides maximum impact, whilst remaining safe for the occupants of the home and of course for the environment.

Over the counter products available to the general public however contain a much lower rate of active ingredient, simply as a safety precaution. This means you require a lot more of the product to achieve the same effect. This essentially defeats the purpose of trying to save money as you almost always need twice as much product.

So in summary, whilst cheaper alternatives might seem more financially attractive, there is also a massive reduction in the level of protection that a do it yourself application provides when compared to a professionally installed system.

Do DIY termite treatments really work?

The simple answer to this is no.

Here’s why.

There are a number of different DIY treatments available on the market at the moment, but they all use the same form of repellent chemical base. Repellents, unlike termiticides are designed to deter termites rather than kill them. While this in theory sounds like it would be an effective outcome (to deter the termites away from your property), in reality it’s far less efficient.

For 3 main reasons –

• The termites are not affected in any way, nor are they killed off
• The main nest or colony is not killed off, and
• Termites will eventually find another way into the property as termites will simply manoeuvre “around” or “under” the treated area as they can detect it

Termiticides used by professional pest control experts however, (such as Termidor) are undetectable by termites who pass through the chemical. Over a period of 1-2 weeks, thousands of termites pass through the treated zone, and are unknowingly affected by the pesticide. The effects of the pesticides are also passed between the termites themselves, which results in the chemical eventually being returned to the main nest, where the entire colony is exterminated.

Over the counter products such as the ones available at Bunnings do not do this.

The other important factor is the sheer amount of volume required in order to protect a home. A professionally applied termite barrier can use in excess of 600 litres of product to create an impenetrable boundary around the perimeter of an average size 3 bedroom home.  When you compare this to the volume of most DIY products, which are usually sold in 1-2 litre bottles, it becomes apparent why the level of protection provided by an at home application is clearly inadequate.

Keep in mind that a chemical termite barrier installed by a qualified professional also comes with an 8 year protection warranty. Over the counter products wont.

And of course lastly, equipment.

Professional pest controllers use the very latest in tooling and equipment to ensure correct application of the product. One particular tool technicians use is what’s known as a “barrier rig”. Barrier rigs use a pressurised system to inject the product into the soil, often at rates of up to 80psi to ensure complete saturation of the intended zone.

Chemicals are injected deep into the ground, where they are designed to “bind” with the soil so it doesn’t simply “wash away” during light rain.

Of course most homeowners wont have the ability to do this and end up simply spraying chemicals on the surface, or against the wall edge, rather than deep down into the soil where termites exist.

The Risks of DIY Termite Treatments

While DIY termite treatment products might seem like an affordable option at first glance, they come with hidden costs that can lead to greater damage in the long run. Here’s why:

Insufficient Coverage: DIY termite treatments sold at retail stores like Bunnings often don’t provide enough coverage to protect your home adequately. Most DIY products come in small bottles (1-2 litres), which are far from enough to create a strong chemical barrier. In contrast, professional termite control can involve over 600 litres of termiticide applied around the perimeter of the property.

Repellent vs. Termiticide: Many DIY products are repellent-based, meaning they simply deter termites from approaching your home rather than killing them. However, termites can easily detect these repellents and may go around or under the treated area. This makes them ineffective in preventing a full infestation. In contrast, professional-grade termiticides, such as Termidor, kill termites by spreading the pesticide throughout the colony, ensuring complete eradication.

The Danger of Incorrect Application: Homeowners attempting DIY termite treatments often apply the chemicals improperly. For example, spraying chemicals from a bottle or spraying them along the walls doesn’t guarantee the pesticide reaches the termites deep within the soil. Professionals use specialised equipment like barrier rigs to inject chemicals at precise depths, ensuring a full protective barrier.

Why Professional Termite Control is a Better Investment

Professional termite control offers a comprehensive solution, using high-quality termiticides like Termidor that are designed to provide long-lasting protection and eradicate entire colonies. The equipment used by pest control experts, such as barrier rigs, ensures precise application, deep penetration, and optimal coverage. In addition, professional pest controllers have the experience and expertise to identify and address the unique needs of your home.

While DIY options such as DIY termite treatments from Bunnings may seem like a cost-effective way to prevent termites, they lack the effectiveness, safety, and longevity of professional treatments. When considering termite control, it’s important to weigh the long-term costs of repairs and potential structural damage against the initial savings.

Explore more on termite protection systems as recommended by QBCC.

What Makes Professional Termite Control Different?

Professional termite control offers a comprehensive, effective solution for preventing and eliminating termites. Experts use Termidor, a professional-grade termiticide that is designed to penetrate deeply into the soil, binding to it and creating an impenetrable barrier. Termidor is proven to be undetectable by termites, meaning they unknowingly carry the pesticide back to the nest, eventually eradicating the entire colony.

Here are some key benefits of professional termite control:

Targeted Application: Professionals use specialised tools to inject chemicals at specific depths around your property, ensuring maximum effectiveness. This level of precision is impossible to achieve with DIY products, which are typically applied on the surface.

Long-Term Protection: Professional termite barriers are typically designed to last for 8 years or more, backed by a warranty. DIY products, on the other hand, offer little to no lasting protection, leaving your home vulnerable to future infestations.

Safety and Expertise: Professional pest controllers are trained in handling and applying strong chemicals safely. They understand the risks involved and take appropriate precautions to protect your family and pets. DIY treatments, in contrast, carry a higher risk of mishandling, and many DIY products have lower concentrations of active ingredients, meaning they’re less effective and may require multiple applications.

How Much Does Professional Termite Control Cost?

The cost of professional termite treatment depends on factors such as the size of your property and the extent of the infestation. A professional termite barrier installation includes the application of high-quality, professional-grade chemicals, and expert technicians who ensure proper installation using specialised equipment. This investment helps protect your home from termites in the long run.

In addition to the initial treatment, professional pest control services often provide ongoing inspections and maintenance. These regular checks help detect any early signs of termite activity, allowing for prompt action before significant damage occurs. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of costly repairs down the line.

Why Choose Professional Termite Control Over DIY?

Choosing professional termite control, such as Termidor termite treatment, over DIY options ensures you are protecting your home with proven methods that are safe, effective, and long-lasting. A professional termite barrier can offer years of protection and peace of mind, knowing that your home is safe from one of the most destructive pests around.

If you’re considering DIY termite treatments, keep in mind the potential risks, hidden costs, and the possibility of ineffective results. Professional termite control offers superior protection, with expert advice and the best products available to ensure that your home remains termite-free.

Ready to work with Pest-Ex?

In summary, pest control is always best left to the professionals. Bunnings, is probably best for a sausage sandwich and a coke.

If you have concerns about potential termite infestations in your home, then be sure to give us a call. Don’t try cutting corners using cheap inferior products that have the potential to cause risks to your family, and leave your home unprotected.

Call us today to schedule an inspection, we look forward to hearing from you.