When it comes to eliminating termites, simply spraying the surface isn’t enough. That’s why professional exterminators often drill holes in walls, floors, or concrete foundations. This method may seem intrusive, but it plays a crucial role in delivering long-lasting, thorough termite protection.

How Drilling Holes Improves Termite Treatment

Access to Hidden Infestations

Termites are notorious for hiding inside walls, beneath flooring, and deep in the soil. Surface applications can’t reach these secluded spaces. Drilling holes allows exterminators to inject termiticides directly into the areas where termites are most active, ensuring the colony is exposed to the treatment.

Penetration Into Structural Wood or Soil

Subterranean & drywood termites often burrow deep into wood or underground. Drilling through concrete slabs, tile grout, or wall panels allows technicians to introduce chemicals at the depth where termites live and feed. This significantly increases the success of the treatment.

Creating a Chemical Barrier

One of the most effective strategies against termites is a soil barrier. In this approach, exterminators drill small holes along the perimeter of the home especially near foundations, patios, or driveways & inject liquid termiticide. This forms an invisible chemical barrier that prevents termites from entering or re-entering your property.

Ensures Full Coverage

No two termite infestations are the same. Some colonies may be small & localized, while others spread across multiple levels of the home. Drilling helps provide full treatment coverage, especially in areas where access is limited, like beneath slab foundations or behind finished walls.

What to Expect During the Drilling Process

If your pest control technician recommends drilling, here’s a general breakdown of what happens…

• Inspection & Planning – The technician inspects your home to identify termite activity & determine where drilling is necessary.

• Drilling Holes – Small holes (typically ¼ to ½ inch wide) are drilled at key points, such as concrete joints, baseboards, tile grout, or wood beams.

• Applying the Treatment – The technician injects termiticide into each hole, targeting the active infestation or creating a protective zone.

• Sealing the Holes – After treatment, all holes are carefully sealed with cement, wood filler, or patching materials to match the surrounding surface.

Is Drilling Necessary for Every Termite Treatment?

Not always. The need for drilling depends on the type of termite, the severity of the infestation, & your home’s construction. For example, slab-on-grade homes or properties with finished basements often require drilling to reach termites hiding beneath concrete.

Drilling holes during termite treatment is a proven, effective method that allows pest control professionals to target infestations directly & create long-term protection. While it may seem like a big step, it’s one of the most reliable ways to ensure that your home remains termite-free for years to come.