Newsweek
February 12, 1990
In his never ending war against his six-legged nemesis, man has electrocuted insects, zapped them with ultrasound, sicked predators on them and sent them into permanent deep freeze by means of liquid nitrogen - to say nothing of attacking them with deadly chemicals. Still, we bipeds have been losing: termites cause $390 million worth of damage every year in California alone.
But now scientists have a new weapon: heat. Back in 1916...
The Journal of Light Construction
December 2003
When houses are built with wet materials, develop leaks, or suffer vapor intrusion and condensation, conditions are right for insects, mold, and other pests. Getting rid of the moisture can be tricky, but California firm has a new hot idea: Blow-dry the building. Whether you want to eliminate mold growth, exterminate termites, wipe out cockroaches and other pests, kill the dust mites that trigger asthma, or even get rid of hantavirus, the company’’s message is the same: Nothing beats a long, hot bake.

The New York Times
Business Day - Wednesday, January 3
Seeking to avoid the use of toxic chemicals in eliminating indoor insect infestations, two California scientists have developed a method that relies solely on hot air.
The underlying concept is that insects can tolerate only a narrow range of temperatures and, unlike mammals like humans and dogs, have little ability to control their body temperature...

THERMAPURE HEAT TREATMENT

ThermaPure Heat Treatment System is a method of killing termites inside structures using heat, instead of traditional poisonous gas.
Since insects have a low tolerance for heat, they die at temperatures as low as 130 degrees. Insects such as Drywood Termites, Wood-boring Beetles, Carpenter Ants and Cockroaches can be killed using ThermaPure without the need for chemicals. A typical treatment takes just 6-8 hours, there's no need for customers to move out of their homes.
study performed by the University of California-Berkeley showed 100 percent eradication in naturally infested timbers when the process is done properly.

OVERVIEW ON HOW IT WORKS

Tenting the house - unlike fumigation in most cases, tarps are hung (instead of covering the entire house) from the eaves to the ground to create a thermal barrier. This avoids stepping on the roof.
Distribution of Heated Air - propane heaters are used to deliver heated air through mylar ducts to the treatment area. The ambient air temperature in the treatment area is elevated to around 150 to 160 degrees and held until the internal wood temperatures reach 130 degrees. This level is held for a minimum of 1 hour.
Temperature Probes - temperature is monitored by tiny probes places in the infested beams and attached to a computer outside the house.

ADVANTAGES OF THERMAPURE

Convenience - Typically occupants do not have to move out.
Less Damage to Roofs - in most situations, roofs do not have to be walked on.
Non-chemical - A great alternative for people with illnesses, allergies and sensitivities
100% Effective - The non-chemical method recognized as 100% eradication.
Versatile - can be used a “Whole House”or “Localized” treatment. EXCELLENT for condominiums, apartments, H.O.A.’s,.
Sanitizing Effect - if used as a “Whole House” treatment, allergens of various types; asthma triggers, dust mites and the like are reduced if not eliminated; reducing and even oxidizing odors and in killing many types of bacteria, germs and viruses.

Drywood Termites
These social insects infest dry wood and do not require contact with the soil. They can be found in CA, AZ, FL, AL, GA, LA, MS, SC, TX, VA

Habits
They form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike subterranean termite species, drywood termite colonies do not have a worker caste. The work is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood.

Habitat
Drywood termites infest dry wood, like that found in building framings.

Threats
Drywood termites can infest structures and cause significant damage.

Prevention:
Drywood termites can be avoided by making sure firewood and scrap wood is stored at least 20 feet from the home. Because drywood termites form new colonies by gaining access to wood through small holes, seal all cracks and crevices in a structure.

Treatments
Compass Pest Management, Inc. will do an inspection to identify the Pest and extent of infestation, then make recommendations to eradicate the pests and rectify the damage they cause. Our extensive background and resources allow us the privilege to offer many solutions to fit you needs.
Compass Pest Management, Inc. can provide access through our professional staff, to Fumigation, Heat Treatments, Local wood injections, Soil baiting, Soil Treating, Preventative treatments programs, Annual Control Services, trapping, above Soil Baiting and Exclusion.

Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas aboveground that can contain up to 2 million members. They build distinctive "mud tubes" to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. Termite colonies are organized into castes depending on tasks -- workers, soldiers and reproductives. The characteristics of a subterranean termite are dependent on the termite's role in the colony. Cream-colored Worker subterranean termites are 1/8 to 3/8's of an inch in length. Soldier subterranean termites are of a similar body length, but are distinguished by their powerful mandibles. Solider termites have cream-colored bodies and brown heads. Reproductive subterranean termites are approximately one inch long, dark bodied and may have their wings still attached.

Habits
Subterranean termites live underground and build tunnels, referred to as mud tubes, to reach food sources. Like other termite species, they feed on products containing cellulose. Subterranean termites swarm in the spring -- groups of reproductive termites go off to start new colonies.

Habitat
Subterranean termites need contact with the soil to survive and live underground. They can build tunnels through cracks in concrete.

Threats
Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species. They can collapse a building entirely, meaning possible financial ruin for a homeowner. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time.

Prevention
Avoid water accumulation near your home's foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard. Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.

Treatments
Compass Pest Management, Inc. will do an inspection to identify the Pest and extent of infestation, then make recommendations to eradicate the pests and rectify the damage they cause. Our extensive background and resources allow us the privilege to offer many solutions to fit you needs.
Compass Pest Management, Inc. can provide access through our professional staff, to Fumigation, Heat Treatments, Local wood injections, Soil baiting, Soil Treating, Preventative treatments programs, Annual Control Services, trapping, above Soil Baiting and Exclusion.