What is a "No Drill" termite treatment?

What is a “No Drill” termite treatment?

A “No Drill” treatment is typically a termite service where only exterior “soft areas” of a structure are trenched to allow a liquid application.  The soil is then put back into the trenches to complete the service.

Is a “No Drill” treatment cheaper?

Initially a “No Drill” treatment can be cheaper as money is saved in labor and chemical costs.  Given the foraging nature of our native Arizona termites those savings can be offset by future re-infestations.

Does Bills Pest & Termite offer “No Drill” termite treatments?

No…we discourage “No Drill” termite treatments…the only way to stop native Arizona termite infestations is to establish a continuous barrier in and around a structure.  Leaving untreated areas is an invitation to foraging termites.  Average lots in Phoenix can have 10-15 different colonies of Arizona termites…so it’s just a matter of time before a termite colony will find an untreated avenue into your home.

Additionally, Arizona termites seek moisture under abutting slabs of a structure to survive.  Not treating these areas reduces the potential success of a termite service.

Why do so many Exterminators in Phoenix offer “No Drill” termite treatments?

Simply put…it’s a way to make a fast buck.  An exterminator can turn a 2-4 hour service into a 30 minute job and use only a quarter of the termiticide.  Doing 5-6 of these services a day is fast money.

Any advice for homeowners considering a “No Drill” treatment?

Yes…get a complete termite service by a carefully screened termite exterminator that uses a quality termiticide and knows our Arizona termites.  It may cost a few dollars more up front…but you are more likely to eliminate current and future termite infestations and less likely to deal with structural damage.

Termites Swarming in Metro Phoenix

Arizona’s termite season seems to be off to an early start.


Termite swarms in Arizona usually occur during the summer months following afternoon rains.

This year rain totals for Metro Phoenix are up combining with rising temperatures to create conditions conducive to swarming termites.

Local termite expert Bill Trott, owner of Bills Pest and Termite Co reports “Termite swarming calls are up 60% over last year-to-date.”

“This volume of calls is about two months early when compared to years past,” added Trott

The US Department of Agriculture reports over $750 million in damage is caused by termites each year.

According to the Arizona Office of Pest Management, the most common termite in Arizona is the subterranean termite. A good barrier between the ground and the wood in our Arizona homes is extremely important. Homeowners are advised to look for (source: Office of Pest Management):

1. Cracks in foundation walls. It only takes a crack 1/32 of an inch wide to give termites and other wood destroying insects hidden access to your home.

2. Leaking pipes and faucets. Termites as well as other insects, seek out moisture for survival. Leaking pipes can keep wood and soil continually damp and create a perfect home for termites.

3. Wood debris around and under a house. Pieces of scrap lumber or firewood kept next to a structure can support a colony of termites.

4. Sprinkler systems or bubblers placed near the outside wall of a structure. Excessive watering can dilute pesticide treatments around foundation walls.

5. Flower planters. Planters allow hidden and direct access to unprotected siding and cracked stucco when built in direct contact with a house.

6. Trellises and wooden fences. If a trellis or wood fence touches soil and is in contact with a structure, it provides a direct link between the subterranean termites in the soil and wood in the structure.

All of these conditions are things that termites and termite inspectors look for, and so should the homeowner. By eliminating these conditions, you can reduce the risk of infestation. However, it is important to remember that all homes are at risk to termite infestation, and should be inspected by an experienced termite inspector at least once a year.

Bills Pest and Termite Co offers free termite inspections, for more information email us @ Bills Email or call 602.308.4510

Should I get a termite inspection for the home I'm buying?

"I'm buying a new home in Glendale...my realtor recommended a home inspector who asked if I wanted to add a termite inspection to his service for an additional $75...should I do this and is this a good price?"

I recommend every home buyer get a termite and home inspection prior to agreeing to purchase any home in the Metro Phoenix area.

$75 is a fair price for a good termite inspection...the average price in Phoenix is around $65.

I will caution against the home inspector completing the termite inspection. For the same price you can have two sets of eyes inspect focused on one matter each verse one set of eyes trying to complete two tasks.

Additionally...the average home inspector has less than three years experience as a termite inspector. At best that home inspector completes two inspections a day while a good termite inspector can complete 4-6 a day. Thus giving the termite inspector 2-3 times the experience.

As always I advise that the termite inspection be completed at the beginning of the "10 day inspection period" so that you have time to review the report and make additional requests for information and/or follow up inspections.