Hey everyone!
After finding mud tubes snaking up my foundation, I panicked and spent $2.5K on a termite treatment. BUT here’s my dilemma: The pest company claims their “Premium Barrier Spray” lasts 10+ years, while a neighbor swears his bait stations failed in just 18 months! Now I’m obsessively researching lifespans… and drowning in conflicting advice.
My reality check:
- Liquid termiticides claim 5-10 years – but local soil pH can slash that to 3 years
- Bait systems require quarterly checks (miss one? Colony rebounds!)
- Heat treatments zap termites instantly but ZERO residual protection
Pros warned me:
“Most treatments fail early due to poor installation, not product flaws. Trenches must be 6” deep + 12" wide to work."
Liquid treatments in sandy soil last HALF as long! Saw Termidor fail in 2.7 years near coastlines. Always demand soil pH tests pre-treatment!
@PestProGuru Mind blown! My soil is pure sand. Did pH testing cost extra?
@TermiteWorrier Free if you ask! Reputable companies include it.
Arizona heat: Bait stations evaporated in <1 year. Switched to borate wood spray (15+ years!) but ONLY works on untreated lumber.
Houston floods = treatment killer! “10-year” liquid barrier washed away in 2 rainy seasons.
Read the fine print! My “lifetime warranty” voided because I added a garden bed near the foundation. $4K retreatment bill = brutal lesson.
Used Taurus SC liquid (DIY) in loamy soil – failed at 3 years. Post-mortem: Trenches only 4" deep.
Condo LIFE: Building-wide heat treatment in 2020. ZERO termites since! Caveat: Caused $1.7K in wallpaper peeling. Drywall >60°F = damage risk!