The best termite sprays for home protection: What really works
Termites are responsible for billions of dollars of damage to homes and properties across the world. They trigger billions of dollars in repair costs each year. Americans spend more than $5 billion each year on termite control and damage repairs at home or at work. If not stopped early, termites can undermine the structure of a home.
Several homeowners choose the DIY method by using termite spray, mostly because it is simple and they don't have to pay a professional. With the proper spray, they can treat small termite problems quickly or protect areas of the home before termites can cause larger problems. Termite sprays are also a far less costly solution than other full treatments, including soil barriers or tenting, which can cost several thousand dollars.
There are many termite sprays, foams, and ready-to-use treatments available at Growcycle. These products provide excellent treatments for cracks, crevices, and wood surfaces that are common areas for termites to hide.
How Termite Sprays Work
Termiticides are engineered to kill termites fast and make homes last. They function by deploying chemicals specific to termites in sufficient quantities, either upon initial contact or after being brought back to a colony. Homeowners can make the best choice when they know how these sprays work.
Active Ingredients
One commonly used ingredient is Bifenthrin, and one may see products like Talak 7.9% and Bifen XTS that contain it. Bifenthrin kills termites by affecting their nervous system and they die shortly after coming into contact with it. It is commonly used on soil and wood, as it remains active for a long time.
Another strong active ingredient, Fipronil, which works differently as termites are not attracted to it. When a termite comes into contact with Fipronil, not only does it die, but it also transfers the chemical to other termites in the colony before it perishes, making way for the eventual elimination of the entire group.
Imidacloprid is a similar working chemical found in things like Taurus SC. Imidacloprid is also a non-repellent, just like Fipronil. That means that termites do not have to avoid it. When they touch it, they unwittingly pass it on to fellow termites, triggering a domino effect that can kill the entire colony.
Modes of Action
Termite sprays typically operate via two primary mechanisms: Contact Kill and Transfer Effect.
- Termites are exterminated within days of coming into contact with the sprayed area in Contact Kill. This is a good method for how to kill termites naturally as they back away when they can’t stand the smell.
- Transfer Effect: Termites that come into contact with the chemical transfer it to other termites in the colony. This is a highly successful way of how to get rid of termites in walls, wood and even the earth.
An additional benefit of termite sprays is their residual treatment. Some sprays remain effective for weeks, while others can protect a home for a few years if applied properly. This residual action binds to the soil, roof and walls, and is long lasting, preventing new infestations and keeping structures safe.
Key Selection Criteria
The right termite of spray depends on several things. Homeowners should think about where they will use the spray, how safe it is, whether it will last and how difficult it is to apply. Knowing these is the first step to helping them to choose what’s best.
1. Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
The sector of the termite problem is also critical. Some are for indoor use; some are for outdoors in the backyard or in soil or wood structures outside the house.
Safety around kids and pets is a major concern when it comes to indoor use. Homeowners should seek products that are certified safe for use and properly applied inside living spaces.
Indoor sprays are usually shorter-lived, generally lasting less than three months. Outdoor sprays, however, can provide protection for a far longer period, because under some conditions they can remain in the soil for up to five years if there is no digging or tilling.
2. Environmental and Health Considerations
Some people opt for non toxic termite sprays that come with reduced-risk EPA labels such as Alpine Foam RTU, which have been found to cause less damage to humans, pets or the environment. Use low-odor or no-odor sprays indoors. And homeowners will verify if the spray is safe for plants, if it does not cause phytotoxicity (damage to plants) especially when treating areas close to gardens or landscaping.
3. Ease of Application
Few are ready-to-use (RTU) sprays, so people don’t have to mix or measure, just apply straight from the bottle. These are perfect for fast treatments and smaller applications.
Some other sprays are sold as concentrates that need to be diluted in water. Although concentrates can be used to treat larger areas and also sometimes cost less per gallon, they also take considerably more time and effort to mix.
For cracks, voids or wall voids foam products are a good addition. The foam expands and fills hard to reach areas where termites may be hiding, especially in the hidden walls and voids between a structure’s exterior and interior.
Best Indoor Termite Sprays
To protect the home against termites, Growcycle offers the best termite spray for wood. These are user friendly products, environmentally friendly, and a solution for secret termite infestations.
1. Spectracide 16 oz Foaming Termite Killer
Spectracide’s Foaming Termite Killer for home use is one of the best available termite control products for treating termites in the home. As a foam, it enters cracks and expands to form a long-lasting, protective seal on whatever surface it’s sprayed on. It contains bifenthrin as the active ingredient, which kills termites upon contact, and features a protective barrier that lasts for a few weeks.
The product features a precision straw applicator, allowing users to target trouble areas with no mess. A non-staining formula, so it can be used on painted or wooden surfaces and around baseboards. This spray is ideal for indoor termite treatment and for smaller infestations. Multiple cans may be required for large problems.
- Fast knockdown of termites
- Reaches deep into hidden spaces
- Safe for indoor surfaces
2. BioAdvanced 1.3 Gal Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Power Sprayer
For people who want to treat bigger spaces inside the home is the BioAdvanced Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer for home use. This product is packaged in a convenient 1.3-gallon ready-to-use sprayer for added speed. It works on contact with termites, which start dying as soon as a few hours, and gives 30 days of protection indoors.
Built-in sprayer applies to large areas such as attics, crawl spaces, basements and more without reaching for an additional tool. Its low-odor, non-staining formulation ensures it can be used in homes without the strong chemical smell or staining of surfaces. It’s nice and big for larger spaces it needs to treat, but that bulky size may be less-than-ideal for anyone with limited storage space.
- Covers up to 1,300 square feet
- Provides 30 days of residual protection
- Easy pump-sprayer for fast application
3. Harris 1gal Carpenter Ant Killer & Termite Control RTU
For smaller tasks or quick applications indoors, opt for the Harris 1gal Carpenter Ant Killer & Termite Control RTU, which is easy to use. It is ready to use in a 1 quart spray bottle; no mixing needs to be done. It is an active ingredient of permethrin and provides a fast kill on termites, with residual control for up to eight weeks.
The convenient spray bottle is great for treating areas where termites are present, such as in between spaces, in gaps, in the subfloor, and in plumbing tunnels. It’s a low-odor formulation and can be used as lab equipment in living spaces. But it is a little bit small, not very fit for large area treatments, but only for partial treatment.
- Easy-to-use spray bottle
- Up to eight weeks of protection indoors
- Low odor, ideal for living spaces
Best Outdoor Termite Sprays
Growcycle makes some of the best termite sprays one can use outdoors to build a strong shield around homes, patios, decks, or gardens. These are available in user-friendly tubes and offer long-term control of voracious termites.
1. Revenge Pt Termite Carpenter Ant Control
The Revenge® Termite & Carpenter Ant Control 1-Pint Concentrate is a concentrated product for drenching wood and soil to protect against termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-infesting insects. This formulation is a concentrate that must be diluted with water before use. When mixed, it is applied around the foundation of a home to form a barrier against invading termites.
Beta-cyfluthrin is the active ingredient in premier termiticide, kills termites in less than 90 days and continues in the soil while it remains undisturbed for up to five years. A single pint can cover up to 1,000 square feet, so it’s a good option if people have a larger property. It does have some mixing (and so prep) required, but the results are professional quality for a fraction of the price.
- Long-lasting termite protection for up to five years
- Great for treating large outdoor areas
- Also effective against carpenter ants, fire ants, and other pests
2. Revenge 1gal RTU Termite/ Carpenter Ant Killer
For homeowners who prefer not to mix, Growcycle offers the Revenge 1-Gallon RTU spray. This is a pre-mixed product that arrives ready to use. Great for establishing soil perimeters around houses, decks, and gardens with no aggravation.
Like the concentrate version, it contains beta-cyfluthrin and provides protection for up to five years. The 1-gallon size covers about 1,000 square feet, making it a good choice for treating the full perimeter of a house. It is easy to apply using a garden hose or pump sprayer, perfect for people who want quick and effective termite control.
- No mixing required, ready to use
- Long-lasting protection for outdoor areas
- Simple and convenient for DIY homeowners
3. Revenge 15oz Termite/ Carpenter Ant Aerosol
Handy, ready-to-use Revenge® 15 oz Aerosol spray is perfect for small outdoor termite problems or spot treatments. With an easy to use refillable aerosol, this makes the person in control of his own method, simply spray into mud tubes, cracks and crevices or directly onto infested wood.
It also has beta-cyfluthrin and provides powerful protection if applied correctly. It might not necessarily cover as much ground as the concentrate or RTU products, but it’s ideal for spot treatments and more manageable projects. It complements perimeter soil treatment as part of an overall termite treatment plan.
- Quick and easy spot treatment
- Great for treating mud tubes, cracks, and small gaps
- Portable and ready to use immediately
Application Techniques and Best Practices for Termite Sprays
While treating the home with non toxic termite sprays which is an eco friendly option, learning the proper way of applying them is crucial to ensuring they are effective yet safe. Here is a summary of some favorite steps one can take for the best results.
Pre-Application Inspection
Before using any best termite spray for wood, it is of utmost importance to check the place for any signs of termite activity along with possible ways of entry. Search for mud tubes on the foundation or walls, which are typical indicators of subterranean termites. Drywood termites, however, will generally leave small holes or sawdust-looking on wood surfaces. Recognizing these signs will help homeowners determine where they need to apply treatment.
Other things to check include:
- Wood damage: Wood that sounds hollow or looks “punk” is an indication of termite damage caused by the wood being eaten from the inside out.
- Entry points: Inspect around windows, doors, vents and the vulnerability of walls as common entry points for termites.
Perimeter vs. Spot Treatments
Once the area is identified, it’s time to decide between perimeter treatments or spot treatments. Here’s when to use each type:
- Perimeter Treatments: Barrier treatments can be made around the complete perimeter of the home. Normally, homeowners would dig a trench around the foundation and spray the chemical into the soil to protect the house from termites. This is perfect if seeing signs of all-over infestation, or termites are expected to be coming through more than one entry point.
- Spot Treatments: These are reserved for the specific spots where one knows that have termite action or in places where a perimeter treatment is not an option (like inside deck joists or patios). Spot treatments are targeted to aim directly at mud tubes, cracks and entrances. This is a method that can work well for small occurrences or when a full perimeter treatment is not required.
Safety Gear and Precautions
Safety is key when using termite sprays. The clothing and equipment one is wearing are designed to minimize many risks. Here are recommendations for what homeowners should wear:
- Wear a mask or respirator to prevent breathing in fumes or spray mist from spray.
- Use gloves to avoid skin exposure during spraying.
- Safety goggles offer some protection for the eyes against accidental splashes.
- Ensure to have good ventilation of the room if applying the treatment inside.
Make sure to read the product’s label for the specific safety instructions including how long to keep off the treated area. The implementation of these recommendations will make the treatment safe and effective.
FAQs
What is the most effective treatment for termites at home?
The best home termite treatment is one that targets the specific type of termites infesting the home and the severity of the termite problem. DIY termite sprays can get rid of termites if sprayed directly onto the visible infestation or entry point. Professional treatment with liquid termiticides (for example, Termidor and Taurus SC) is required in severe infestations.
Does home defense spray work on termites?
There are also home defense sprays that are sold for general pest control that can provide some protection from termites but are also not as effective as termite specific sprays. These sprays can kill termites that come into contact with them, but do not create a long-lasting barrier or treat the source of the infestation.
Can I apply termite sprays myself?
Yes, lots of termite sprays are made for the DIY crowd. There are read-to-use sprays and concentrates available to allow homeowners to do the treatment themselves. For extensive infestations or those that are out of reach, however, one may want to call a professional pest control service.
The Bottom Line
Termite infestations can wreak havoc on homes and the price to repair that damage is incredibly high. Growcycle has different termites, sprays for the indoors and the outdoors. Designed to be highly effective upon contact or by permeating throughout the colony, these sprays contain powerful ingredients to kill termites and continue to protect your home. Most DIY termite sprays are straightforward to use and far more cost effective than hiring a professional for indoor termite treatment.
Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
About the Author
Victor Miller 
Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture
Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.
