Safe Termite Control

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The surest cure, of course, is a pesticide. The newest chemicals, while less effective than the now-defunct chlorinated hydrocarbons, kill termites with much less risk to human health and the environment. But that's not to suggest that you and the exterminator who applies these chemicals shouldn't regard them with a healthy respect.

Torpedo and Dragnet, among the least toxic of the new generation of termiticides, both contain permethrin, a synthetic version of a natural insecticide which has long been a favorite of organic gardeners. Unlike chlordane, which persists in the environment for decades, permethrin-based insecticides biodegrade into simpler compounds in five to seven years. That means they may need to be reapplied if termites return.

In case of an accidental spill, permethrin can be neutralized by exposing drenched soil to sunlight and by washing your body and clothing with soap and water. Still, don't be lulled into applying permethrin thoughtlessly, since it's highly toxic to fish and bees.

Another new chemical is Dursban. Its active ingredient, chlorpyrifos, is an organic phosphate that's more toxic than permethrin and lasts longer. Chlorpyrifos can be neutralized with a solution of household chlorine bleach. It can also be removed by activated charcoal filters should it enter your water supply by accident.

Other EPA-registered (that is, approved) termiticides include isofenphos, Cyperethrin and Pydrin, the latter marketed under the brand name of Gold Crest Tribute.

Over-the-counter versions of some of these compounds are available, but do-ityourself termite spraying is not a good idea. In fact, the EPA is considering banning sales to the general public of any chemical manufactured to kill termites.

THE ULTIMATE TERMITE INSPECTOR

Annual termite inspections are the best way to detect an attack before serious damage is caused, and the latest wrinkle in inspections is the termite-sniffing dog. Research at-Ohio State University and observations by USDA entomologists conclude that the sharp-nosed beagles trained by the TADD Services Corporation of Belmont, California, are remarkably proficient at locating termites that can't be found through a visual inspection alone.

The TADD beagles are trained after the fashion of bomb- and drug-sniffing dogs, and alert their handlers to the presence of termites by pawing and scratching at the site.

The cost of a canine termite search is somewhat higher than for a normal inspection—TADD charges an average of $125, as opposed to the fees of human inspectors, which range from free to $100—but carries a much stronger, "no disclaimer, full-disclosure" guarantee. And because they detect only living termites, the dogs aren't fooled by signs of an infestation that has since been eradicated, as human inspectors sometimes are. This helps avoid unnecessary treatments, thus saving money in the long run while limiting exposure to the chemicals used to kill termites.

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