I was worried about how safe is Termidor when my house was treated for termites. I did my research and all indications directed that it is safe for pets and children. Some articles indicate that fipronil, an ingredient in Termidor is dangerous, but there is no evidence found in any studies. Fipronil is even used on dogs and cats for flea control for many years as well.
When Termidor is applied, it is diluted so that the fipronil is approximately 0.06%, which is really low. Also, Termidor doesn’t leach through rainfall because of its bonding agent to the soil. As a homeowner, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. If you use your common sense and treat Termidor as just other chemicals around your house. Don’t drink it or rub your skin on it, or don’t even lick it 🙂
I want to point out a few things about the studies that claim fipronil caused thyroid tumors in lab rats who were fed fipronil over an extended period of time. When you look at the actual studies, you will find that these rats were fed thousands of higher dosage compared to normal. For example, just recently, some studies came up with that coloring in coke has caused cancer in rats, but when you actually look at the studies, they gave a ridiculous amount of them over an extended period of time.
So as I said above, as a homeowner, I wouldn’t worry too much about the safety of Termidor. But if I’m the person who uses Termidor on daily basis as part of my job, I’d take extra measures to protect myself from any possible harm. In fact, there are few reports that people who worked with Termidor are suffering from thyroid and respiratory problems.
Treat it carefully, just like we treat bleach and other harmful chemicals, and let Termidor do its work; killing termites.
There are a few chemicals that are commonly used to kill termites:
- Fipronil: This chemical is used in baiting systems and can be effective at killing termites.
- Chlorpyrifos: This is a liquid chemical that is applied to the soil around a home to kill termites. It can be effective, but it is highly toxic to humans and pets, so caution must be used when applying it.
- Dichlorvos: This chemical is used in fumigation to kill termites. It is effective, but it is also highly toxic and can be dangerous to use.
- Bifenthrin: This chemical is used in liquid form to treat the soil around a home to kill termites. It is less toxic than some other options, but it can still be dangerous if ingested.
It is important to note that the use of chemicals to kill termites can be hazardous and should be handled by a professional pest control company. They will have the necessary training and equipment to apply the chemicals safely.
Bifenthrin
Bifenthrin is a chemical that is used to kill insects, including termites. It is generally considered to be less toxic to humans and pets than some other pesticides, but it can still be dangerous if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bifenthrin is classified as a “possible human carcinogen,” which means that it may cause cancer in humans. However, the EPA also states that the risk of cancer from exposure to bifenthrin is low, and it is considered safe to use when applied according to the label instructions.
It is important to follow all safety precautions when using bifenthrin or any other chemical pesticide. This includes wearing protective clothing, following the label instructions carefully, and keeping children and pets away from treated areas until the chemical has had time to dry.
Dichlorvos
Dichlorvos, also known as DDVP, is a chemical that is used to kill insects, including termites. It is generally considered to be highly toxic to humans and pets and can be dangerous if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dichlorvos is classified as a “probable human carcinogen,” which means that it is likely to cause cancer in humans. It can also cause other health problems, such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
The use of dichlorvos is restricted in many countries, and it is generally only used in professional pest control situations, such as in fumigation. If you are considering using dichlorvos to get rid of termites, it is important to consult with a professional pest control company. They will have the necessary training and equipment to apply the chemical safely.