Can termites be controlled without using pesticides?
Most active termite infestations require some type of chemical treatment. Reducing conducive conditions (such as repairing moisture and ventilation problems) will help reduce infestations of some termite populations, but these changes will not provide control. To eliminate the egg-laying queen and other reproductives, termiticides are used that contain slow acting poisons or growth regulators. These chemicals are carried in food that is eaten by termite workers and later fed to the queen and other members of their colony. To completely eliminate a colony, the queen and all other reproductives must be eliminated or sterilized. Non-chemical treatments, such as heat, cold, fungal pathogens, or microwaves treatments, have been developed to successfully treat dry wood termites. Because there are many types of termites that infest structures, you should consult a professional pest management firm that can tell you what type of termites you have and advise you on appropriate treatment options
