Thanks tox. The 2nd pest guy uses the Sentricon Bait method. Two different pest guys said the one who doesn't dig the trench but just polls Termidor into the perimeter of house is taking the lazy way out of having to dig a trench. I concur which is why I posted to see if that way sounded "off" to others as it did to me. I've done a lot of research. Had a 3rd guy out who uses the Termidor trench method but actually digs the trench, polls the trenched area with chemicals into the ground AND fills the trench with liquid chemicals, then covers over with dirt. He also blasts holes w/ chemicals in the garage and other concrete areas, therefore, making a barrier around the house. The 3rd guy told me that if one has termites, the barrier method is always used first to rid the termites quickly. The bait method is only used when you do not have termites, but, are preventing yourself from getting them in the first place. Thanks for the link.

First of all if you can get the house treated for 800.00 and 150.00 a year after with a warranty grab it and run... I live in southewest La and paid 1500.00 and still had termites. I could go to court but it cost so much here and courts are so backed up... My mom also had termites and I paid 1700.00 for her and got the money back from them because I could still see termites eating a doorjam. That was with a lot of calls and fussing and stress. Then I called another company with a young private guy and he explained everything. I watched and read lots and lots. When you are five foot three and blond older guys just do not listen. I payed him 1200.00 and they are gone at my moms. I will tell you what I plan on doing with my house and my daughters but not online. Chemical that are legal depend on where you live and its not hard to get certified. I know you live in Texas, but let me tell you termites were on your site before your home was built and in the south we all have them. They will find a way in unless you treat the perimeter of every building you have. Some woods they will not eat and sometimes you have 2 different kinds of termites. You will need a Powerful hammer drill. You can rent them. Your wife can call me for other directions. Excuse me I mean email me. happy.now@suddenlink.net.

Termites grow and multiply---a small nest becomes a large colony----which results in more small nests---you begin to see a 'small termite problem' is only the beginning. Replacing the rough opening framing---that is the space made into which the doors fit---with pressure treated wood is ok---but if the termites are still allowed to stay----they will find untreated wood---and that will result in much more expensive problem. I helped out a friend last year tear out drywall around his front door, replace several studs and trace the termite damage as far as ten feet away. That was in a house with a concrete front porch, a concrete foundation that was thirty inches above the ground and treated wood as the first wood on the foundation. The termite service he used told him that part of the house was not vulnerable. $1800 with a warranty is cheap insurance.

Should we throw in another treatments (e.g., soil treatment, etc.)? I would research methods first and then contact several companies. Try to find conservative, green companies as well. As with many things, the Green link above notes that several methods in combination can be a good approach. That also helps to reduce the amount of chemical exposure needed to eradicate them. I would be particularly concerned if you have children or are in child-bearing years. Of if you have pets around, of course, too. They told me many years ago that the chems were safe for pets, though today, that doesn't hold much weight for me. I would never fumigate my home again (this was fleas) and would be very reluctant about using the chemical sprays again, particularly on a monthly schedule. (They would spray the carpets and crevices inside my home. I do remember a lingering chemical smell. Don't know if that's done anymore but it's pretty scarey if you really think about it.) I also had termites, way back, due to a water drainage problem in that area. It was the regular monthly exterminator who noted something while there. In my case, they could easily look around the foundation walls for evidence, and he showed me how the insects create little dirt tunnels going up to the house/wood. The treatment was to drill holes around the foundation, inside and out, and inject a chemical barrier.