All About Microwave Termite Treatment

person detecting termites through a wall

Termites are silent, wood-munching pests that can cost you thousands of dollars in repair if you don’t address them promptly. Microwave termite treatment is an innovative and eco-friendly way to eliminate termites from your property. This article covers everything about microwave termite treatment, including the cost and its pros and cons. 

About Microwave Termite Treatment

Microwave termite treatment uses microwave radiation to target and eliminate termites within the structures. It works against drywood termites and is a non-chemical alternative to traditional termite treatments.

In this treatment, the pros use microwave generators to emit controlled microwaves that penetrate the affected areas and eliminate termite colonies. Microwave termite treatment is eco-friendly and poses minimal risk to humans and pets. 

This treatment takes about four hours, and you should vacate your home during the process to be on the safer side. Microwave termite treatment costs between $6 and $8 per square foot. It’s expensive but poses little to no risk to you and the environment.

Microwave termite treatment is ideal for controlling termites in small spaces. If there are multiple termite infestations across your home, we recommend you consider termite fumigation, which is better for broad termite coverage.

How It Works

1. Inspection

home inspector looks for termites
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Termite specialists thoroughly inspect your property for termites. Here are the signs of drywood termite infestations:

  • Small holes or tunnels in the wood 
  • Swarmers (flying termites looking to establish new colonies)
  • Discarded wings
  • Frass (wood-colored termite droppings)
  • Hollow-sounding wood

Professionals also use advanced tools like infrared cameras and moisture meters to detect the exact location of termite activity.

2. Prepare

Microwave termite treatment takes about four hours, and you should vacate your home during the process. Before you leave:

  • Take food and medicines with you or seal them in a plastic bag. 
  • Turn off gas appliances. 
  • Move electronic devices to a safe place.
  • Move furniture and other objects to make it easier for the pros to work. 
  • Keep utensils inside cabinets. 

3. Equipment Setup

The pros set up microwave equipment around the infested area and calibrate it depending on the wood and level of termite activity to apply the microwaves at the right frequency and intensity. 

4. Treatment 

closeup of termites nest and termites damage
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The microwaves penetrate the infested area and increase the temperature to levels lethal to termites. The heat eliminates the entire termite colony without damaging the structure. 

5. Monitor

The exterminator continuously monitor the temperature of the target area. The goal is to eliminate the pesky wood-munching insects without damaging the structure. They adjust the settings as needed during the treatment. 

6. Post-Treatment Evaluation

After the treatment, the pros inspect the structure with infrared cameras and moisture meters to ensure the termites are eliminated. They retreat the structure if necessary. The exterminator also conducts follow-up inspections. 

Pros and Cons of Microwave Termite Treatment

Pros of Microwave Termite Treatment

  • Eco-friendly: This treatment uses microwaves to eliminate termites, which makes it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical treatments. 
  • Quick results: Microwave termite treatment is quicker compared to traditional methods. The microwaves penetrate the wood and eliminate the entire termite colony within four hours. 
  • Targeted treatment: Microwave treatment specifically targets termites without affecting the surrounding areas. 
  • No structural damage: Unlike liquid termite treatment, microwave treatment doesn’t require drilling, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your property. 
  • No residues and odor: Microwaves don’t leave behind residues, so you don’t have to deal with strong fumes once you return home. 

Cons of Microwave Termite Treatment

  • Expensive: Microwave termite treatment costs $6 to $8 per square foot, which makes it pretty expensive
  • Depends on electricity: Microwave termite treatment depends on electricity, which can be a concern if you live in an area prone to power outages.   
  • Not ideal for severe infestations: Microwave treatment works well for small infestations. If the infestation has spread to multiple areas, it can be difficult for microwaves to penetrate and eliminate termites from all spots. 

FAQs

Is microwave termite treatment safe?

Yes. Microwave termite treatment is eco-friendly and poses little to no health risks to humans and pets. 

Can I stay home during microwave treatment?

Though microwave treatment is safe, you should vacate your home during it because prolonged exposure to microwaves can harm you. There’s also a chance of fire. 

Does microwave termite treatment prevent future infestations?

Microwave termite treatment can eliminate existing infestations but can’t prevent future ones. Here are some tips to prevent termite infestations:

  • Annual termite inspection 
  • Address water leaks immediately 
  • Proper drainage 
  • Avoid piling firewood and wood debris next to your house
  • Seal cracks, gaps, and crevices in your home’s foundation and walls

What microwave treatment system do pros use?

The equipment that pros use varies. However, the Proto 2GE575 is a popular choice among termite control experts.

When to Hire a Professional 

Microwave termite treatment is an effective and eco-friendly way to put an end to drywood termite infestations. However, if the infestation is severe, you should consider fumigation treatment. 

If you need help with termites, get in touch with Pest Gnome. We connect you with the best termite specialists in your area who can help you with everything related to termites, from inspecting your property to eliminating those pesky creatures and preventing them from coming back.

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Abdul Wadood

Abdul Wadood has a lot of experience battling creepy crawlies in his house, from termites to cockroaches and mosquitoes. He wants to share his valuable insights with homeowners to help them keep unwanted guests at bay.