Does Heat Treatment for Termites Work? Here’s the Truth!

Termites are destructive pests that can cause serious damage to homes and businesses. One of the most common questions homeowners and property managers have when dealing with a termite infestation is “does heat treatment for termites work to get rid of termites?”

Heat treatment, also known as thermal remediation or whole-structure pasteurization, is a non-chemical alternative to traditional pest control methods like tent fumigation. This treatment uses specialized heating equipment to raise ambient temperatures to lethal levels for termites and other pests.

But how effective is heat treatment? Does exposing termites to extreme heat actually kill them and eliminate the infestation? Or is it just a temporary fix?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using heat to control drywood termites and other wood destroying insects:

How Thermal Heat Treatment Works to Kill Termites

Heat treatment relies on the application of heat energy to achieve temperatures lethal to termites. Treatment technicians use powerful electric or propane heaters and special fans to gradually raise the temperature inside the structure to between 130°F and 140°F.

The high heat penetrates deep into wall voids, wooden structural members, and other infested areas. It disrupts cell function and kills insects by:

• Causing lethal protein breakdown
• Damaging cell membranes
• Denaturing essential enzymes

Temperatures between 120°F and 140°F applied for at least 33 minutes have been proven to kill all stages of drywood termites. Maintaining these thermal levels for the proper duration ensures termites have no ability to escape the heat treatment.

The Step-by-Step Heat Treatment Process

Here is an overview of the basic heat treatment process from start to finish:

• Technicians perform a thorough inspection to locate all termite infestations and wood damage.
• Insulation is added to attics, crawl spaces, and walls to contain the heat.
• Heaters and fans are strategically placed throughout the structure.
• The treatment area is slowly heated to between 130°F and 140°F over 2-6 hours.
• Technicians monitor temperatures and make adjustments to maintain lethal thermal levels for the necessary duration.
• After reaching target temperatures for at least 33 minutes, heaters are turned off and the area is allowed to cool.
• Once cooled down, technicians will check for any spots that did not get hot enough and re-treat if needed.

The entire heat treatment process usually takes between 6 to 12 hours from start to finish depending on the size of the structure.

When to Call in a Professional for Heat Treatment

While some homeowners have had success using small electric heaters or steam machines for spot treatments, whole-structure heat treatment should only be done by licensed professionals. DIY attempts often fail to reach lethal thermal levels throughout infested areas.

Trying to perform a full heat treatment without the proper specialized equipment and experience can be ineffective and risky. Leave it to qualified heat treatment pros who have the powerful heaters, temperature monitoring tools, and knowledge to supervise the process properly.

Does Heat Treatment Actually Work on Drywood Termites?

So does using heat to kill termites really work? Or is it just a band-aid fix that doesn’t last?

The effectiveness of heat treatment depends on several factors:

Heat Treatment Effectiveness for Drywood Termite Infestations

Most pest management experts agree that heat is extremely effective at eliminating drywood termites such as:

• Western drywood termites
• Southeastern drywood termites
• Pacific dampwood termites

These types live inside seasoned, dried wood. Heat penetrates wood exceptionally well and destroys these colonies.

Research shows properly applied heat achieving thermal death time (130°F for 33+ minutes) results in 100% mortality of drywood termites.

Advantages Over Fumigation for Drywood Termites

Heat treatment has two main advantages over fumigation when addressing drywood termite infestations:

1. Better penetration into wood. Heat permeates deep inside wood pieces and structural members, ensuring termites have nowhere to hide. Fumigant gases struggle to penetrate wood as effectively.
2. No chance of pesticide resistance. Unlike chemical fumigants which pests can develop resistance to over time, heat works universally. Termites have no ability to develop “resistance” to the physical mechanism of heat damage.

What to Expect During and After Heat Treatment

Wondering what it will actually be like during the heat process? And what happens after treatment?

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

Preparing Your Home for Heat Treatment

• Technicians will inspect and seal off fireplaces, AC vents, and gaps leading to areas you don’t want heated like crawl spaces.
• Sprinklers and irrigation systems around the home should be shut off to prevent damage.
• Expect to be without power for 6-12 hours during the process. Unplug all electronics and gas appliances.
• Plants and animals must be removed. Fish tanks should be covered and emptied halfway.
• Remove items that could melt or combust at high temperatures. Flammable liquids and old ammunition should be taken off site.
• Perishable food items should be refrigerated or iced in a cooler outside.

What Happens During the Treatment Process

• Once sealed off, temperatures will be gradually raised over several hours.
• Heaters run continuously to distribute heat through the structure.
• Expect ambient indoor temperatures to reach around 130°F for at least one hour.
• Technicians monitor temperatures and make adjustments while heating equipment runs.
• Remain offsite for the full duration to avoid unsafe heat exposure.

Results You Can Expect After Treatment

• After cooling down, technicians will check that all areas reached lethal thermal levels.
• You may return once temperatures are safe, usually within 12-24 hours.
• Some minor cleanup may be needed for debris from dead termites. Vacuum up any piles found.
• If you had a significant infestation, you may continue finding dead termites over the next few weeks. This is normal as their bodies emerge.
• Notify the heat treatment company if you see any live termite activity, which would indicate a spot that wasn’t fully treated.
• Enjoy your pest-free home! Expect complete eradication of drywood termites and no need for repeat treatments later on.

Is Heat Treatment the Right Solution for Your Pest Problem?

Heat works extremely well for whole-structure treatment of drywood termite infestations. But is it the best choice for every scenario?

When to Choose Heat Treatment Over Other Methods

Heat treatment has advantages over fumigation or conventional spraying in these situations:

• You have drywood termites living in seasoned wood inside your home. Heat penetrates wood better than chemicals.
• You want to avoid fumigants or pesticide sprays for health/environmental reasons. Heat is non-toxic.
• Your infestation is within an enclosed structure or section that can be sealed off and heated.
• You need a fast-acting solution without a lengthy prep/aeration process. Heat treatment takes as little as 6-8 hours.
• You have a wood-boring beetle species susceptible to heat, like the Asian longhorned beetle.
• You are treating museum artifacts, furniture, or sensitive electronic equipment that requires a non-chemical option.

Signs You Need Professional Termite Pest Control

Watch for these signs that it’s time to call in the pros to address a serious termite infestation:

• Visible termite swarms inside or around your home. Swarmers indicate an active infestation.
• Mud tubes or sheltered tunnels on foundation walls, pillars, or wood framing.
• Galleries and dried mud patches on walls and structural wood.
• Crumbly fecal pellets around infested areas.
• Soft areas in wood damaged by termites tunneling inside.
• Sagging floors, doors that stick, or other signs of reduced structural integrity.

Don’t delay treatment if you observe these warning signs! Call a professional pest control company to schedule an inspection and start the heat treatment process. The longer termites actively infest wood, the more damage they do.

Contact a Local Expert for Inspection and Quote

Don’t take chances trying to use heaters and steamers from your local hardware store to self-treat drywood termites. Whole-structure heat treatment is a complex process that requires professional equipment and expertise.

Contact a qualified heat treatment company in your area to schedule a thorough inspection. Licensed pros can confirm if heat is the right solution and provide an accurate quote for your specific needs.

Most companies offer free inspections and estimates. Be sure to get multiple quotes to compare pricing and service options.

Reputable companies are licensed, insured, and have access to powerful propane and electric heating units engineered specifically for heat treatments. They will monitor temperatures carefully throughout the process to achieve 100% termite mortality.

The Bottom Line: Yes, Heat Treatment Works on Drywood Termites!

When done properly by trained professionals, whole-structure heat treatment is extremely effective at killing drywood termites and other wood-destroying insects.

The high temperatures penetrate wood thoroughly and are guaranteed lethal if minimum thermal death times are met. Heat also leaves behind no toxic residue or lingering fumes.

While heat works best for drywood infestations within enclosed spaces, it does have limitations with certain species. If you have Formosan, native subterranean or dampwood termites, heat may need to be combined with liquid soil treatments or fumigation.

Talk to qualified pros to determine if heat alone or in combination with other methods is your best option. Get multiple quotes and compare experience levels. With reputable heat treatment providers, you can eliminate drywood termites and prevent future infestations using this proven non-chemical approach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Treating Termites

Still have questions about using thermal heat treatment for termite control? Here are answers to some of the most common questions:

What types of termites does heat treatment work on?

Heat is most effective for whole-structure treatment of drywood termites that live inside wood, including western drywood, southeastern drywood, and Pacific dampwood termites. It also works on wood-boring beetles like powderpost and old house borers.

How long does heat treatment take?

The full process normally takes 6-12 hours depending on the size of the structure. Actual heating time required to kill termites is at minimum 45-60 minutes above 130°F.

Does heat treatment damage wood?

It can cause some cosmetic changes like warping or discoloration in softer woods. But when done properly, heat does not compromise the structural integrity or strength of wood.

What are the benefits of heat vs. tent fumigation?

Heat treatment avoids toxic fumigants, penetrates wood better, leaves no chemical residue, and has a much faster turnaround time compared to tenting.

Can heat treatment be done on just part of a structure?

Yes, heat works well for “spot” treatments of infested sections. Attics, additions, or affected rooms can be sealed and treated individually.

What precautions are needed before heat treatment?

Sprinklers must be shut off, A/C vents sealed, and flammable items removed. Plants, pets, food, and inhabitable areas will also require special precautions.

How can I verify heat treatment was successful?

Reputable companies will perform thorough post-treatment inspections to ensure all areas reached lethal thermal minimums. They should also provide documentation detailing the process.

What happens if live termites are still seen after treatment?

Notify your heat treatment provider immediately if live bugs are spotted. Any missed areas will need to be retreated until full eradication is achieved.

Key Takeaways on Heat Treating Drywood Termites

• Heat treatment involves heating the entire structure or affected areas to temperatures lethal for termites (130°F+ for 45-60 minutes).
• When protocols are followed, heat causes 100% mortality of drywood termites by disrupting cellular function.
• Heat penetrates wood exceptionally well, making it highly effective for drywood termite infestations.
• Expect the process to take 6-12 hours and require preparations like removing pets, plants, and electronics.
• Post-treatment, cleanup dead termite bodies but enjoy your pest-free home going forward!
• Contact qualified heat treatment providers to inspect your home and provide quotes for addressing a drywood termite infestation using this proven thermal method.