Foaming for termites

Dr. Bob Davis, Technical Services Representative, BASF Professional
& Specialty Solutions& Specialty Solutions

Foaming is a great technique that can enhance termite control services. Foam provides more thorough treatment coverage, and can position active ingredients in hard-to-reach areas such as dirt-filled porches and stoops, voids under slabs, slab penetrations, expansion joints, pipe chases, and wall voids.

Selecting the expansion ratio (ER) of the foam to apply is critical. Wet foams will have ERs of less than 3:1 (3 gallons of foam dilution expanded from 1 gallon of liquid termiticide dilution). Medium foams will have ERs from 6:1 to 10:1. Dry foams will have ERs of 25:1 to 50:1.

Wet foams provide greater downward penetration at the point of injection with some lateral spreading, whereas dry foams are “stackable” and can enhance horizontal and upward spread. If the area has soil access, a wet-medium foam is advisable (think dirt-filled porch). Apply 75 percent of the finished termiticide dilution as liquid to the soil and 25 percent as a wet-medium foam.

If no soil access is available (think interior wall void), apply dry foam that will treat the void surfaces but not stain interior décor. Ready-to-use foam products are excellent for wall void treatments.

Review the termiticide label, the foaming agent manufacturer’s directions, and the foam-generating unit manufacturer’s directions for further guidance.

BONUS: Here are three tips to improve your termite team’s efficiency:

1. Do less. Thanks to molecular technology, many termiticides create an enhanced protection zone for exterior perimeter treatments while using as much as half the water.
2. Differentiate. Use products that are effective in their respective specialties. For example, use a high-efficiency termiticide for exterior perimeter and localized interior treatments; a foam termiticide for spot treatments in wall voids; and dust products for drywood and subterranean termite galleries in wood, carton nests or shelter tubes in or away from structures. Nonrepellent termiticides can be transferred among termites, allowing you to kill more termites with the same amount of product.
3. Bait. For those accounts where a conventional, liquid-only treatment isn’t the best option, installing a bait can be a great approach. Effectiveness and speed of control can be enhanced by using foam or dust treatments.

Read more of Dr. Bob Davis’ termite tips:

• 7 signs of subterranean termite infestation
• Termite inspections: Identify conducive conditions