Just about any 1 gallon pump sprayer will do. We prefer the Chapin Premier 1 Gallon Pump Sprayer 21210XP because of the brass construction in the shutoff valve, wand, and nozzle. The nozzle is adjustable and using the pin stream spray would allow you to spray through a hole in the wall. All of the parts are replaceable when they wear out and when cared for properly will last for many years. You may want to look over our How To Do A Termite Treatment article to learn how you can protect the rest of your home against termites in the future.
Termidor SC is only labeled to be used around a structure and cannot be sprayed further than 6 inches from it, in California. Arilon Insecticide can be used around the perimeter of the home and you could expand the band around the perimeter, for example: you can spray 3 feet up on the foundation and 7 feet out. The active can also be transferred from one ant to another and can be used for direct mound treatments if necessary, as well as surfaces commonly used by ants for foraging such as outdoor edges/frames of windows, doors, utility penetrations, roof lines or eaves, and other structural edges may also be treated. In addition to exterior structural elements, outdoor nesting sites such as refuse collection areas, flower/mulch beds, adjacent tree holes, surrounding turf areas, crawl spaces, or other nest/ foraging sites, and foraging trails can be treated.
Per the manufacturer, "There are many factors involved such as: when flooding has brought new, untreated soil next to the foundation, foundation elements have shifted/moved, soil subsidence has occurred and untreated soil now requires a Termidor treatment, adjacent patios, driveways, concrete pathways, asphalt pads, etc have moved and exposed soil areas that can now be treated, soil erosion next to foundations has removed protective termite treatment zones, landscaping has been repaired, added, etc and the previously treated zones have been disturbed. Especially when repaired and previous soil is moved. Termidor has very low water solubility and therefore will not leach through the soil. Termidor tightly binds to organic matter in soil, which also limits its movement. All of these physical and chemical characteristics contribute to Termidor remaining active in the treated zones close to the foundations of the structure for as long as the soil and foundations have not been compromised or the normal time span for degradation has elapsed."
Termidor SC can be used for ant treatment if it is within 1 foot of a structure. Per the product label, you cannot use Termidor SC farther out in yards or around ornamentals outside of that range. A better product to use around pavers would be a dual-active product such as Temprid FX Insecticide. You can treat around the perimeter of the homes, plus treat where there are ant trails around the pavers. The product label also allows you to apply Temprid FX much more frequently than Termidor (only 2-4 times per year, depending on the rate used).
As long as Termidor SC is applied according to the instructions on the product label, it will remain active in the soil and prevent termites for up to 10 years.
Termidor SC is a liquid concentrate (SC = Suspended Concentrate). Termidor FOAM is a ready-to-use foam termiticide/insecticide.
Termidor SC should be applied up against the structure for listed crawling insects in a 1 ft by 1 ft band and in the soil for termite applications. We do offer other products for treating caterpillars including Natural Guard Spinosad Landscape and Garden Insecticide.
Termidor SC is only labeled to be applied immediately around a structure and cannot be used to treat tree stumps. You may want to consider using a product like Dominion 2L instead.
The active ingredient in Termidor SC, Fipronil, works by disrupting the insects central nervous system by blocking GABA-gated chloride and glutamate-gated chloride (GluCl) channels. This causes hyperexcitation of nerves and muscles in insects.
When applying Termidor SC to a home with a raised foundation, you would trench around the outside of the foundation and around each pier/post under the crawlspace. Everywhere you dig you will follow the method of digging a 6x6 trench and use 4 gallons to every 10 linear feet.
If treating in the barn at all for termites with Termidor you would want all the bunnies and any other animals out of the entire area during the treatment and until its dried and settled, typically over a couple of hours time frame. Bunnies can be sensitive to chemical use so having them all removed from the whole barn during that process is recommended.
When applied in a 6x6 inch trench/drilled holes, Termidor SC will cover 60 feet of trenching/drilled holes (10-12" apart).
Termidor is designed to bind to the treated soil for longterm residual, so you would not have to worry about the application breaking down more quickly. The concern would be that your barrier is covered up with untreated organic material, thereby limiting insect control. We do suggest that mulch or similar groundcover be kept at least 12 inches from the foundation, so if this application is done accordingly, then your Termidor barrier would remain intact and effective.
Typically what would be done is that you would have your regular 6 in x 6 in trench with your 4 gallons of Termidor SC solution per 10 linear feet, and then rod down to the grade (but not below) at each footer, or in the case of a continuous basement, about every 12 inches. You also can treat from the inside by drilling in the basement to treat the ground underneath it and any hollow block near the floor there.
If the wings are falling that is normal. Termidor SC does need time to work and should not be retreated this soon.
For step by step instructions on how to do a termite trenching treatment using Termidor SC, please take a look at our Termite Treatment Guide. It provides you with those instructions along with videos and lots of helpful tips.
Termidor SC is safe when used as directed on the product label. You will dig your 6 in. x 6 in. trench right up against the foundation of the structure you are treating.
Dogs should not be present during application of Termidor SC and while treated areas are wet. It should not be applied to the surface of the deck or other off label areas.
Termidor SC is not really meant to be used as a crawl space wood treatment. If you are going to be applying Boracare, it is not necessary to also use Termidor. Boracare will penetrate completely into the wood and will remain active for the life of the wood.
