Fumigation vs. Microwave Termite Treatment – The Pros and Cons

There is never a good time to discover that your home has termites in it, whether it is by way of annual termite inspections or by spotting signs of the damage these pests cause. Irrespective of how getting rid of them will upset the domestic routine and normal activities, this is something that you cannot put off. In the past, the only way to get rid of them was by getting the whole house fumigated. This is effective, but it causes a lot of domestic disruption. Today, there are other options and the most popular among them is microwave termite treatment. Which one is better? Both have their pros and cons and only a professional termite control company will be able to guide you on the right choice for your home.

Fumigation

1. Pros: Fumigation covers the complete interior of the house and it is the tried and tested way to get rid of a termite infestation. The chemicals will get into every crevice and cranny and will kill the termites wherever they may be. Whether it's one large colony or multiple smaller ones, fumigation will get rid of them all.
2. Cons: The house cannot be occupied while the fumigation is going on. This could take a few days, depending on the size of the house and other factors. That means that all the occupants of the home will have to pack up and find another place to stay till the toxic chemicals have dissipated and the house is safe to occupy. Fumigation is typically more expensive than microwave treatment and if the family has to stay in a motel for some days, that will add to the cost. Pets will also have to be housed somewhere and all the food and indoor plants, which could be affected by the chemicals, will have to be moved out of the house.

Also Read: Which Termite Treatment Is the Most Effective?

Microwave Termite Extermination  

1. Pros: Microwave treatment is fast and does not require people, pets, food, and plants to leave the house. It uses targeted microwave energy to heat and kill the insects. Nothing in the house is affected and the disruption to domestic routine is minimal. Because microwave extermination is done for only specific areas of the house, the process is quick. It is also generally speaking, less expensive than fumigation because a smaller area is treated.
2. Cons: Microwaves are highly effective in killing termites, but the effect is only on the targeted area. If there are other colonies around that have not been spotted, these will not be affected and the damage will continue. A small colony can rapidly grow into a big one that could do serious damage.

Also Read: Eco-Friendly Termite Control in San Diego and Orange County

Termite Baiting Systems and Other Options 

The internet may extol the benefits of termite baiting systems and other termite removal methods, but fumigation and microwave treatment are among the most effective and widely used termite extermination options. Experimenting with termite treatment options is not a wise choice - it often does more harm than good.

The only way to be sure of getting rid of termites and keeping your home safe is by asking for a free termite inspection. Depending on the results of that, the termite control company will recommend options that will be most effective for your home. Serving Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties, Hi-Tech Termite Control is a highly reputed company that offers a full range of termite elimination services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between fumigation and microwave termite treatment?

Fumigation treats the whole house, while microwave treatment targets specific areas. Fumigation is more thorough, but microwave treatment causes less disruption.

2. Can I stay at home during fumigation?

No, you’ll need to leave your home for a few days during fumigation, as it involves using toxic chemicals.

3. Is microwave termite treatment safer than fumigation?

Yes, microwave treatment is safer since it doesn’t require chemicals, so you don’t need to leave or move plants, food, or pets.

4. What is a downside of microwave termite treatment?

Microwave treatment only affects targeted areas, so undiscovered termite colonies may continue to cause damage.

5. Which termite treatment is more affordable?

Microwave treatment is generally less expensive than fumigation because it targets smaller areas. However, costs may vary based on the extent of infestation.