Glossary of Pest Control Terms

When hiring a pest control company or researching termite treatments, understanding technical terms can be overwhelming. Below is a comprehensive glossary of pest control terms to help you navigate the process with confidence.

1. Termite and Pest Control Terminology

Term	Definition
Acaricide	A chemical agent used to kill mites and ticks.
Baiting System	A termite control method using bait stations that attract termites, which carry poison back to the colony.
Biopesticide	Pesticide derived from natural materials such as plants, bacteria, or minerals.
Chemical Barrier	A termiticide applied to the soil around a structure to prevent termites from entering.
Comprehensive Inspection	An in-depth inspection using advanced tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging to detect termite activity.
Drywood Termites	Termites that live inside dry wood and do not need soil contact to survive.
Exclusion	Blocking pests from entering structures by sealing gaps, cracks, and entry points.
Fumigation	A method involving sealing off a structure and filling it with gas to kill pests like termites.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)	A pest control strategy combining biological, physical, and chemical methods for sustainable management.
Localized Treatment	Termite treatment that targets a specific area rather than the entire structure.
Moisture Meter	A tool used to measure the moisture content in wood or other materials, often used to detect termite-prone areas.
Mud Tubes	Pencil-thin tunnels made by subterranean termites to travel between their colony and food sources.
Non-Repellent Termiticide	A termiticide that termites cannot detect, which they spread to the colony, resulting in its elimination.
Pheromone Trap	A trap that uses chemical signals (pheromones) to lure pests, particularly for monitoring or control.
Preventive Treatment	Treatment designed to prevent future infestations, such as soil treatments or physical barriers.
Reinspection	A follow-up inspection to check for any remaining pest activity after treatment.
Repellent Termiticide	A chemical applied to repel termites, creating a barrier to prevent access to treated areas.
Subterranean Termites	Termites that live in underground colonies and require soil contact to survive.
Termiticide	A chemical substance used to kill termites, applied via soil, wood treatments, or baiting systems.
Wood Probing	A technique using tools to tap or probe wood to detect termite damage, often during inspections.

2. Pest Control Methods and Treatments

Term	Definition
Botanical Pesticides	Pesticides derived from plants, typically used in eco-friendly pest control methods.
Crack and Crevice Treatment	A method targeting small openings where pests enter or hide, applying pesticides in cracks and gaps.
Dusting	Applying fine insecticidal dust into voids, cracks, and nesting areas to control pests like termites or ants.
Heat Treatment	Using heat to raise the temperature inside a structure to kill pests like termites without chemicals.
Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)	A substance that disrupts the lifecycle of pests, preventing them from developing into adults.
Spot Treatment	Targeting a localized area of termite activity, typically using termiticides or other non-invasive methods.
Termite Shield	A metal barrier installed during construction to prevent termites from entering a structure.
Wood Treatment	Applying termiticides directly to wood to protect it from termite damage or treat an existing infestation.

3. Professional Services and Inspections

Term	Definition
Annual Termite Inspection	A yearly inspection to detect termite activity early, preventing infestations and minimizing damage.
Borescope	A tool used for inspecting hard-to-reach areas, such as inside walls, for termite or pest activity.
Certified Applicator	A pest control technician who has received specialized training and certification to handle certain pesticides.
Termite Bond	A contract between the homeowner and pest control company, guaranteeing termite treatment and providing regular inspections.
Worker’s Compensation Insurance	Insurance that covers pest control workers in case of injury on the job, protecting the homeowner from liability.

4. Common Termite Species

Term	Definition
Formosan Subterranean Termite	A highly aggressive species of subterranean termites known for large colonies and extensive structural damage.
Eastern Subterranean Termite	A common termite species in the U.S. that builds underground colonies and can cause serious damage to homes.
Dampwood Termites	Termites that thrive in moist wood, typically found in decaying timber or areas with water damage.
Winged Swarmers	Reproductive termites that leave the colony to start new colonies, often seen during warm weather.

Pro Tip: Use this glossary to better communicate with your pest control provider and make informed decisions when dealing with termite or pest infestations.