DIY Termite Treatment vs. Professional Treatment: What Actually Works?
When Arizona homeowners discover signs of termites, the first question they ask is: “Can I fix this myself… or do I need to call a professional?”
It’s a fair question. DIY pest control videos and store-bought products make termite treatment seem simple. But the truth is: termites behave very differently from ants, roaches, or spiders. And choosing the wrong approach — even for a few weeks — can allow a colony of 100,000+ termites to keep eating through your home’s structure.
So let’s break down the truth about DIY termite treatments and how they compare to professional solutions.
DIY Termite Treatments: What They Can (and Can’t) Do
Many DIY products claim to kill termites, but effectiveness depends on the type of termite, the severity of the infestation, and where the colony is located. Here’s what the most common DIY options can actually accomplish.
1. Store-Bought Sprays
What homeowners expect:
A quick spray that kills termites instantly.
Reality:
Only kills termites you can see.
Does not reach the colony in the soil or inside walls.
Can cause termites to relocate and spread to new areas.
Sprays are temporary and don’t stop the damage beneath the surface.
2. Orange Oil or “Natural” Treatments
Common belief:
Non-toxic oils are safer and just as effective.
Reality:
Works only on very small, localized drywood termite spots.
Does nothing to treat underground colonies.
Rarely penetrates deep enough to wipe out tunnels.
Most Arizona homes have subterranean termites, and orange oil does not phase them.
3. DIY Bait Stations from Home Improvement Stores
What homeowners like:
Cheap, easy to install, and widely advertised.
Reality:
Often installed incorrectly (wrong spacing, wrong depth, wrong soil conditions).
Store-bought baits are weaker than professional-grade versions.
Homeowners may not know if termites are feeding or ignoring the bait.
Professional bait systems work — but the DIY versions are almost never strong enough to eliminate a colony.
4. Boric Acid or Homemade Mixes
Reality:
Can kill individual termites that touch it.
Does nothing for colonies underground or inside the home.
Rarely reaches the root of the problem.
Think of it as trying to fix a leaking roof with a towel.
So… Does DIY Ever Work?
DIY approaches may slow termites down for a few days, but they do not eliminate a colony. Termites are hidden, protected, and constantly expanding. By the time most homeowners see surface signs, the colony has been active for months or years.
Professional Termite Treatment: What Actually Works
Here’s how professional termite protection compares.
1. Professional Inspections Find What DIY Can’t
The Termite Division uses:
Moisture meters
Foundation scans
Crawlspace and attic inspections
Experienced techs who know exactly where Arizona termites hide
We find activity long before DIY methods would ever detect it.
2. Professional Liquid Treatments Protect the Entire Structure
Licensed professionals drill precise treatment points around the home to create a continuous barrier termites cannot cross. DIY cannot replicate this — and this is the #1 method proven to stop subterranean termites in Arizona.
3. Professional Bait Systems Eliminate the Colony
We use professional-grade bait stations that are:
Stronger
Monitored
Strategically placed
Designed to reach the queen
DIY bait is no comparison — this is science, not guesswork.
4. Long-Term Warranties Give You Real Protection
When The Termite Division treats your home, you get:
✔️ Ongoing monitoring
✔️ Peace-of-mind warranty
✔️ Re-treatment if termites return
DIY has no safety net — if they come back, you’re paying again.
The Biggest Risk: Lost Time = More Damage
The average Arizona termite colony eats 24/7, and a mature colony can consume several pounds of wood per year.
Every week of delay means:
More structural damage
Higher repair costs
Larger treatment zones
Colonies expanding deeper into your home
Most homeowners who start with DIY eventually call a pro — but usually after the damage spreads.
DIY vs. Professional: Final Verdict
✔️ DIY can temporarily kill a few termites.
❌ DIY cannot eliminate an active colony.
❌ DIY cannot protect the structure long-term.
✔️ Professional treatments eliminate termites at the source — and keep them from coming back.
If you suspect termites, the smartest (and cheapest) move is to get a professional inspection immediately.
Schedule Your Free Termite Inspection
The Termite Division proudly serves: Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and surrounding Arizona communities.
Our experts will:
✔️ Inspect your home thoroughly
✔️ Identify any termite activity
✔️ Recommend the right treatment
✔️ Give you a clear plan to protect your home
Book your FREE termite inspection with us today!