Pest Control – Termite Treatment
It’s our policy to provide you with information about the termiticide to be used around your house or building. There are strong regulatory controls around use of chemicals in the pest control industry. There are several types of termite control chemicals registered by the relevant American Federal Government AVPMA for use in termite control as a soil treatment chemical. The termiticides have undergone thorough evaluation and approval by national and state government authorities. Breaches by termites are uncommon and generally, the barriers provide excellent on-going protection. These products represent modern technology and are NOT in the older style organo-chlorine or organo-phosphate pesticide group. Treatment failures seen throughout the industry are generally a function of building design and treatment applications rather than termiticide effectiveness. For example, the termiticide application is likely to be less effective if the footings of a building cannot be effectively accessed because of floor coverings.< 
We use the following two chemicals and believe that these work effectively in Texas conditions.
Manufacturers Information
Bifenthrin
Brand – Bi-flex Aqua, from F.M.C.
Type – Synthetic pyrethroid water-based termiticide
Toxicity – Rated S6, oral – “slightly toxic”, dermal – “practically non-toxic”.
Odor – This water-based termiticide is almost odorless.
Longevity – the label claims “at least 10 years” when applied at maximum strength. In practical conditions around a typical home, due to water exposure, disturbance of garden beds, etc. STC recommends re-treatment every 5 years.
A characteristic of Bifenthrin is that it binds very quickly and strongly to the soil particles. This makes it a good option where moisture movement in the soil may be a factor. It is the longest-lasting termiticide and with only a slight odor.
Fipronil
Brand – Termidor, from BASF
Type – Benzisothiazolin
Toxicity – -Rated S6, oral-harmful if swallowed, dermal-may irritate the skin, does not readily penetrate the skin. Repeated exposure may cause an allergic reaction.
Odor – has a slight vegetable oil smell.
Longevity – re-treatment every 5 years should be expected.
Termidor is one of the most thoroughly reviewed termite control products and can only be applied by a pest control professional who has been trained in correct application methods. Termidor is incredibly effective even at low application rates. Termidor bonds to the soil in which it is applied, so homeowners need not worry about soil movement. It is, therefore, the most effective termiticide where there is a risk of noncontinuous soil treatment. In addition, Termidor is environmentally friendly with its active ingredient fipronil having been used extensively on food crops around the world and as the leading product for flea and tick control on dogs and cats since 1995.
The following commonsense precautions should be observed both before and after your premises are treated:
You should advise us of any pets or any personal or family allergies, or other concerns.
You must remove or protect any people, animals, birds, or fish during the treatment period.
Avoid contact with treated surfaces until the termiticide has dried.
Observe any verbal advice provided by your termite technician at the time of treatment.
Ensure your premises are properly ventilated after treatment.