Termites

Drywood termites and termite damage can threaten the integrity of your largest investment — your home.   Millions of homeowners battle drywood termite infestations every year causing hundreds of millions of damage annually.   Thermal eradication of termites or “heat treatments” as they are commonly known are effective, non-chemical and are much faster than your chemical fumigation. Termite galleries can be found all throughout your structure and this is an important factor to keep in mind when treating with heat. In order to effectively eliminate termites, it is necessary to reach temperatures that allow the heat to transfer through construction materials like drywall, wood framing. & into the targeted areas. 

So whats the process?

The length of time the treatment takes varies depending on the size of the areas being treated as well as the weather.  The average length of a heat treatment is approximately 5-8 hours. Your technician will have a much more accurate time for re-entry once at the property.  However, as a minimum you will need to be out of the structure for 9-hours from the time we arrive. This will allow for set up, service, and a cool down period.  During treatment temperatures will range from 135-200 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the core of targeted wood members reach appropriate internal temperatures allowing us to eradicate all life stages of Drywood Termites.

Tarps may be used to ensure heat is retained on the exterior where wood is exposed. Clips are used to secure these tarps in place during treatment. It is important that the area at least 18 inches from the foundation of the structure (in treatment areas) is clear to accommodate our tarps and equipment.  All vegetation and plants that is inside the treatment area may be affected. As such True Heat Solutions will not be responsible for damaged vegetation or plants.

Upon re-entry you may find items have been moved around as it is a necessary part of the process to ensure heat is applied most effectively. You may find the internal ambient temperature of the structure is warm, but the structure should be allowed to cool naturally. Please do not open vinyl windows or turn on air conditioner(s) for at least 2 hours post treatment.

Is it safe to enter my home after the treatment?

Yes.  We ask that you wait 2 hours after treatment to allow for the structure and your belongings to cool down.  You’re technician will let you know what time you can re-enter at the start of the service.

What do i need to do to prepare the day before the service?

Fire Sprinklers:  If your home or property has fire sprinklers they must be drained, capped, and the system put in test mode the day prior to service and throughout the service.  True Heat Solutions will not be responsible for faulty sprinklers or damage caused by the system not being drained properly.

It is the responsibility of the owner and/or agent to notify True Heat Solutions of any: Fire sprinklers or other fire suppression systems, heat sensors, vinyl windows and laminate or vinyl wall paper or siding. In order to protect certain heat sensitive items that would not be practical to move True Heat Solutions may use tape or other adhesives to secure thermal blankets. True Heat Solutions will not be responsible for chipped paint or adhesive residue as a result of this process.

Furniture should be moved away from infested areas to allow access for proper heat application.

What do i need to have prepared the day of the service?

Parking:  Be sure there is a parking space in front of your home or facility that is at least 22 feet long to allow a box truck to park.  We need to be close enough to pull power from our generator as the heating equipment requires a lot of power to run the machines.  If parking is unavailable we may have to reschedule the job and charge a trip charge.

Proper preparation allows us to give you the best possible treatment.  When a structure isn’t prepared for service theres a possibility that service will not be able to be performed and a possible cancellation fee will be charged. 

For additional information on preparing your home download our termite heat prep sheet here