how do you feel about the in-wall pest control tubing?

[rach03]

Our house is about four years old, we bought it last year. It was built with the in-wall tubing where they inject pest control treatment into the walls. We don't use ANY pesticides in the house...only orange oil which works fine! But we are currently have a major issue with fire ants getting into tiny holes everywhere along our baseboards on one side of our house. I caulk, then they find another hole. I'm really worried they are like colonized in the wall and I'm considering letting the pest control company come out and do a one-time treatment in the walls to help me get back down to a level that I can control with my normal routine of natural stuff and spraying weepholes outside.

Just curious about anyone's thoughts on the safety of the in-wall stuff. I guess it's better than spraying baseboards, but I still hate to have it anywhere in the house. I can't handle the fire ants, though...it's totally freaking me out. My stress level is maxed.

eta: I searched by the way and couldn't bring anything up...I apologize if this has been covered, if so could you direct me there? Thanks!

[rach03]

shameless bump!

[jillmamma]

Originally Posted by rach03

shameless bump!

I personally would be more concerned about fire ants in the house possibly biting me or my kids than about pesticides in the wall...I have had some nasty bites that swell up bad from those suckers. We have to treat our yard every year to avoid huge fire ant piles, and I feel the risk of my kids getting bit by them is worse than from any pesticide residue from playing out there.
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[mattemma04]

I would do the pest control.Is it bait or dust? I like the bait ones better.I have gone ballistic on my own carpenter ants by drilling holes all over and dusting with boric acid or DE powder. I only get so-so activity with the baits.I even sprayed the outside of the house to keep ants out,and starve/kill the ones already inside the home. I have all the MSDS's and do what I can to reduce our exposure to the chemicals I have used.

I remember when we bought our condo and a month later we found out all the units were baited for roaches due to one unit.LOVELY. I did not let the pest control guy in the condo for fear of exposure to the sprays.I had one little one and was pregnant.After threats of legal action and calling the police to gain entry I finally relented.It was only bait which I could control exposure too.Guy gave me the info so I could get the MSDS info.Will never live somewhere where others make choices for me!

I would research the best options for fire ants and choose a company that will use what you want them to use.Some seem almost secretive about their *mixes*. There are so many online DIY sites that list all the chemicals used,so it really makes it easy to research.Best wishes with getting rid of them!