From 12 to 15 of these in Texas can be considered pests, depending on the severity of the damage, he said. Conventional treatments, which place termiticides around the foundation of the home, still work well. They usually give protection for about four years, Pawson said. The success of conventional treatments will depend on several factors, he said. Soil texture, or the amount of sand, silt and clay, soil pH and the amount of organic matter all interact with termiticides making it less available to the invading termites.
Applicators also play an important role in successful treatment.
A thorough job using the highest label rate of termiticide will provide the longest protection. In the warm South, termiticides break down more quickly, he said. On the other hand, they break down more slowly in the colder climate of the northern United States. Additionally, it's important to know what species is being treated, he said. Some homeowners may opt for using the newest control methods becoming available to pest control operators.