Best Termite Killer: Top 5 Products That Kill Termites Effectively

Best Termite Killer

Top 5 Products You Should Use to Kill Termites Effectively

By Kelly Ventura  •  Last Update: 15/10
12 minutes read.  •  Home » DIY Pest Control

Looking for best termite killer? Well, it can be difficult to determine what the best termite killer on the market is, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve taken the top 5 products available now and given you our complete reviews. Read on to choose your best one.

Termites are often referred to as a silent destroyer because they could be eating away at your home and you don’t know even it. It’s a fact that any home can have termites, regardless of their construction style.

Do you have termites?

Ridding your home of termites quickly is easy once you have the right liquid insecticides and baits. In addition, the soil-applied liquid termiticides have been used for decades with great success.

Choosing the Best Termite Killer

Before you determine which product is going to best suit your needs, you’ll have to know what’s important. There are several different types of termite killers available for purchase.

The liquid insecticides and baits can help to rid termites from the home quickly. For decades, soil-applied liquid termiticides have allowed great success in killing termites.

Newer materials such as imidacloprid and chlorfenapyr consist of non-repelling action. This allows termites to tunnel into the treatment area where they get killed.

1. Barrier Applications

Use the termite killers around the structural perimeter of the treatment area. Trenching, rodding or drilling are all effective ways for you to accomplish the application.

Using a barrier application tends to call for products that contain fipronil, imidacloprid and chlorantraniliprole. The National Center for Biotechnology found when they treated 12 pest colonies with insecticide; they had a 75% removal rate over 90 days.

The University of California found that injections of liquids, foams and dust directly into the dry wood galleries can be successful as well.

2. Baits

If you prefer to use baits, you can install them in your backyard by using designated plastic stations. The termites will find the bait and share it with the others.

All the termites that have tasted the bait will then die. You can choose from consumer bait products or the professional-grade variety.

Baits are most successful when used in conjunction with liquid insecticides.

Top 5 Best Termite Killer Products Reviews

Here are the 5 best termite killer products that we’ve found currently on the market.

1. Termidor SC Termiticide by Termidor

Best Termite Killer: Termidor SC

By using this professional termite control product, you will be effective at killing termites quickly. Not only that, but this formula will protect your home from future infestations. Infestations tend to reoccur when you use different brands.

You should see a resolution to your problem within 90 days which is considerably fast. When you use this as an in-ground barrier treatment, it also helps to protect you for over 10 years!

Termidor is mostly undetectable by termites, so they come in contact with it easily. Then, they will ingest it and spread the contents to the entire colony.

You can use this termite killer on all types of termites, including:

  • Subterranean
  • Drywood
  • Formosan

For the price and the protection, you receive for over 10 years, the value is unbeatable. You can’t really put a price on the well-being and safety of your home.

You will only want to use this product outdoors. If you find the need for treatment indoors, you can do spot treatments inside the wall voids.

One reviewer stated that in his own pest and termite company, this was his go-to product. Another customer stated that it was the best killer on the market currently.

It’s no surprise that this is my top pick from the best termite killer products. The overall value, raving reviews and ease of application make this a top choice.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Overall cost is high
  • Only available in a 20oz container
  • The contents have to be mixed with water to create a solution

2. Taurus SC

Best Termite Killer: Taurus SC

This water-based suspension termite killer offers 9.1% Fipronil which is the same as the Termidor SC. It is best used as a barrier application which will target pests around household structures.

Taurus SC is undetectable to the termites so they will ingest it and spread it to their entire colony. You can typically see results in as little as one to three days.

It also works against a wide variety of other insects such as:

  • Ants
  • Beetles
  • Black widow spiders
  • Brown recluse spiders
  • Centipedes
  • Cockroaches
  • Cluster flies
  • Millipedes
  • Silverfish

Taurus SC has the capability of eliminating entire termite colonies in just 3 months. You can choose between a 20-ounce bottle and 78-ounce bottle if you are in need of more.

Overall, it is a little more in price compared to the Termidor. That doesn’t seem like a good value considering they both contain the same main ingredient.

One customer stated that after 2 months of use, there have been no more signs of termites at their house. Another customer said that it was the best product ever used and had the longest residual effects.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Expensive
  • Need to purchase a separate sprayer
  • Measuring cup can be messy

3. Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection & Killing Stakes

Best Termite Killer: Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection & Killing Stakes

The Spectracide termite killer is an easy to use method for protecting your home. Featuring stakes, you can install the protection within minutes and it is made with Dow technology.

Not only will the Spectracide Terminate kill foraging termites but it also includes pop-up termite indicators that offer easy-to-find locator shields.

You can use the stakes for up to 12 months of use at one time. The product seems to be a little more expensive than the sprays, but it is easier to use.

In addition, the sprays have offered five and ten year protection times, but with the stakes, they’ll need to be replaced every year.

When you are determining how many stakes you’ll need for the home, follow these guidelines:

  • 1-Story Home up to 1,200-square feet – 10 stakes
  • 2-Story Home up to 1,200-square feet – 10 stakes
  • 1-Story Home between 1,200 – 2,500-square feet – 20 stakes
  • 2-Story Home between 1,500 – 3,000-square feet – 20 stakes

You can purchase these in a box of 15 stakes or a 6-pack of boxes for many more stakes. Purchasing in bulk does lower the overall cost per stake.

One of the customers that use the Spectracide Terminate says it is their inexpensive insurance policy. Another user was sure to comment on how easy these were to install around the house.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Having to reapply more often than sprays
  • Indicator can sometimes read falsely
  • Have to purchase 15 at a time

4. Termidor Foam

Best Termite Killer: Termidor Foam

These termite killer chemicals feature an easy to use foam application. It is ready to use with no mixing or preparing required.

Termidor Foam comes in a pressurized can which offers pest management professionals and homeowner the control they’ve come to expect from Termidor products. It is ideal for use as a spot treatment in wall voids.

You can also use Termidor Foam to treat other pesky creatures such as:

  • Ants
  • Borer beetles
  • Wood destroying insects

You can effectively use Termidor Foam in the house as well as outdoors. It is ideal for use in apartments, homes, restaurants, nursing homes, hospitals, motels and office buildings.

For the ease of use and fact that you don’t have to purchase any more equipment, the value on this can is exceptional.

Some of the rave reviews include praise that Termidor is what a professional would use. In fact, another person says he uses it as a pest control contractor and swears by the results.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Expensive, but worth the convenience
  • Small size
  • Isn’t effective against as many insects as some other products

5. Ortho Home Defense MAX Termite and Destructive Bug Killer Concentrate

Best Termite Killer: Ortho Home Defense MAX Termite and Destructive Bug Killer Concentrate

The Ortho termite killer is the most-powerful arsenal in the Ortho line of insect products. It kills termites and other pests that tend to invade the home.

You can use this around your home’s foundation. Use it to treat wooden structures, tree stumps, wood piles or stored lumber you might have.

When you use the Ortho Home Defense MAX as a trenching treatment, it can control the area for up to 5 years. That’s a long time to have some peace of mind.

The price on the Ortho Home Defense MAX is relatively low. Take into consideration that it is a concentrate which will produce a lot of material. In addition, you can find it in 20oz and 32oz sizes so you’ll find what you desire to meet your specific needs.

In addition to termites, it is effective at killing:

  • Carpenter ants
  • Carpenter bees
  • Other wood destroying pests

Customers who’ve used this product have nothing but positive things to say. One person that has been doing his own pest control for many years claims that since 1988, the Ortho Home Defense MAX is the best termite protection an unlicensed customer can purchase.

Another happy user said that this product was a must have when living in the deep south.

Things We Didn’t Like

  • The contents need to be mixed
  • You need to purchase a separate sprayer for application
  • Instructions on mixing can seem vague

Using Termite Killing Products

Once you’ve determined what product you are going to use, it is important to understand why you are using it and the best application practices.

Why You Need Termite Killers

Many people don’t understand the significance of being diligent with termite killers. Due to the fact that termites can’t be seen, it can be hard to recognize the importance behind using the products. Here are some reasons you will want to use the products listed above.

Every year, termites can cause an estimated $30 billion of damage to houses and crops in the U.S. On top of that, the average homeowner will spend an average of $3,000 to repair their damage.

Health Risks With Termites

Aside from the damage to your home, there are some rare health risks associated with having termites.

  • Can cause myiasis
  • Possibility of mechanical transfer of several infectious agents
  • Can creep into a person’s middle ear and cause an earache or strange ear noises
  • Can attack the intestines
  • Capable of stinging pets and humans – these are painful and cause swelling or itching
  • Causes allergies
  • Can bring on asthma attacks

To protect your family from these health risks while you can be fighting termites, follow these suggestions:

  • Ensure the ventilation in your house is flowing freely. The air wells and grids should always be kept clean. You could also leave the windows open if possible. The longer you can do this each day, the healthier your environment will be.
  • Pay attention to cleaning properly. Take your time when working on the window sills, doorways, furniture and walls. Make sure you clean thoroughly at least twice a week. You may also want to use some disinfecting chemicals such as chlorine bleach.

Three Types of Termites

Did you know that there are three types of termites you could encounter in your home? Here are the three in detail.

1. Subterranean Termites

Subterranean Termites

  • Part of the Rhinotermitidae family
  • Live in the soil
  • Build the largest nest of any insect found in the U.S.
  • Nests are connected through mud tubes to the food sources
  • Live in every state except Alaska
  • Responsible for the majority of termite damage to homes

2. Drywood Termites

Drywood Termites

  • Part of the Kalotermitidae family
  • Live in wood such as flooring, structural timbers and dead trees
  • Do not require contact with soil
  • Can cause significant damage to home
  • Colonies are smaller

3. Dampwood Termites

Dampwood Termites

  • Part of the Kalotermitidae and Hodotermitidae families
  • Live in wood that has a high moisture content
  • Do not require contact with the soil
  • Rarely found in homes

What to Consider Before Buying

The first step is determining what type of product you want to use. You will use this as the steering factor on which you ultimately purchase.

Be careful that you are purchasing enough to cover the area around your home. You don’t want to get halfway through the application and run out.

Thirdly, your budget is going to play a factor in what you choose. There are products available in most price ranges, so you should be able to find something that works with your pocketbook.

Finally, you will want to make sure that the product you choose is designed for the type of insect you are trying to kill. If you are dealing with termites and ants, you’ll want to use one product to rid your home of both.

Safety Concerns with Treatment

There have been lots of concerns about the safety of using termite killing products as they contain chemicals. Here are some important things to note:

  • Newest methods are made to be low-hazard to pets and humans
  • Baiting systems offer small doses of chemicals and are only toxic to termites
  • Soil-applied termiticides do not reach the water and are only present in the soil for a few years.

Some professionals will recommend fumigation as a way to treat termites. While this is a termite killer, this method involves the use of strong chemicals which get sprayed inside of your home.

For this procedure to be done safely, all occupants should leave during the application. It could take up to a week for you to safely return to your home.

Thankfully, once the fumigation is over and you are cleared to go back in, the chemicals will no longer be present. It is completely safe to be in your house again.

Tips for Using Termite Killers

Always remember to follow the directions on the product you are using for best results. In addition, here are some simple tips for you when you are attempting to rid your house of termites.

  • Start by tracking down the infestation.
  • Determine what type of termites you are infested with.
  • Use recommended products to rid your household of pests.
  • Leave any wood in the sunlight to dry.
  • Freeze pieces of furniture if you can’t put them in sunlight.
  • Seek professional help if the job becomes too overwhelming for you.
  • Maintain a dry home to prevent further infestations.
  • Continue using a repellant even after the termites are gone as a prevention method.
  • Don’t leave unneeded wood on your property.
  • Seal any cracks found in your home.
  • Remember to retreat as per the instructions on your products.

In Review

Now that you know my favorite termite killing product is the Termidor SC Termiticide, you can decide if this is the brand which meets your needs as well. Termidor SC Termiticide receives the best recommendations and appears to be highly effective against the termite battle.

In addition, it has been a great value for the money when compared to the other brands, despite that the overall cost is high. By taking the steps to treat existing termite colonies and prevent future infestations, you’ll be on the path to taking control of your home once again.

Save yourself money over hiring a professional. They can be expensive and potentially want to sell you products you don’t need.

Simply pick the best termite killer and get to work taking back your domain.

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Top 5 Products You Should Use to Kill Termites Effectively