We have a house in Novato with a cement foundation. It's a woodframe, stucco house and every year we get a visit from the sub. termites. They build sand tunnels and start to crawl out of various places that tend to be dark and moist. We got some stuff called Termite Pruf...or something like that. It seems to help. Anyway, what's the best way to live with these insects? Are they harming our house?

Is Spectricide Terminate (sulfluramide) a good over-the-counter product for termites? I'm wondering if it should be placed on the 2004 Product List? Thanks, Bill. Can you also tell me, per chance, if Monterey's Nature's Own Spray Helper should be listed? It contains cottonseed oil, alkylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol & IPA

How would you compare Termidor vs Premise?

I am especially interested in the danger to my family and the safety of applying to the ground and into a structural beam that is infested. I am also interested in effectiveness and ability to not leach out with water.

We have subterranean termites in our wood frame/stucco home. In reference to the use of Termidor or Premise in the ground around our foundation, what are the chances of uptake by the roots of a macadamia nut, and pinapple guava tree as well as some herb bushes located about six to ten feet from the house. I understand the active ingredient in Premise is a widely used systemic in agriculture. And, is it acceptable from the point of veiw of exposure of my family to offgassing to trench and apply these chemicals next to the foundation inside the crawl space under the house? And what about chemical seepage up through cracks in the foundation? I have a child who is ten living in the house.

I am looking for safe alternative pesticides to KILL termites. Also companies that use proper safe methods of killing termites in the San Francisco area.

We are working with the owners of a couple of large buildings in Point Reyes Stn. Someone from a termite company came to speak with us and recommended Termidor. Is TERMIDOR SAFE??? Do you know of anything less toxic and equally effective?

After seeing a pile of 'dirt' in one of our bedrooms, then realizing it was termites, we called a termite company. They diagnosed subterranean termites and recommended either A. "... drilling the concrete slab in the interior water heater closet...and treating the subarea soil and soil along the perimeter of the substructure using Termidor-SC Termiticide...In addition, inject termite channels ...W/D-Force HPX-15. Topically treat all exposed wood members ...using Octa Borate....drilling through all concrete porches, etc." Or, B.) "...substandard secondary recommendation ....heater closet, drill the slab and treat the soil below...etc."

My question: I have autoimmune problems and do NOT want to use any type of toxic pesticides. However, I am told that there is no other less toxic way to effectively get rid of subterranean termites. Is there anything less toxic we can use? How toxic are these products they're recommending? If we allow them to drill it, etc, how long does the toxic stuff stay active?

Anyhow, THANK YOU SO MUCH for considering my question(s). I feel like I'm in a Catch-22. Also,we are currently remodeling our house (just poured concrete yesterday). And, I have a 7 year old son and two dogs. I would like to keep everyone healthy.

We have subterranean termites in our wood frame/stucco home. In reference to the use of Termidor or Premise in the ground around our foundation, what are the chances of uptake by the roots of a macadamia nut, and pinapple guava tree as well as some herb bushes located about six to ten feet from the house. I understand the active ingrediant in Premise is a widely used systemic in agriculture. And, is it acceptable from the point of veiw of exposure of my family to offgassing to trench and apply these chemicals next to the foundation inside the crawl space under the house? And what about chemical seepage up through cracks in the foundation? I have a child who is ten living in the house.