High Voltage Termite Control by Bug Central

The High Voltage Electro-Gun system has been developed through extensive research and field testing for over 20 years. It is now in its fourth and most effective generation. Bug Central's CEO was one of the first to use this technology upon it's debut.

Advantages of High Voltage Termite Control

High Voltage Termite Control is a totally Green and Eco-friendly treatment on its own. No chemicals needed. There is no need to move out of your home or remove food, plants, plastics, clothing or furniture.

There is no residual danger to occupants or pets. No potential roof or exterior plant damage and because of the mobility of the Electro−Gun equipment, it can be used to treat active infestations in attics, subareas, garages, and most other accessible areas of a home or building. It is an excellent solution for wood furniture, antiques, picture frames, and cabinets.

Principle of Operation

The Electro−Gun achieves its effectiveness by using a patented circuit design to safely convert standard 120v, 60 cycle house current into 90,000 volts at 60,000 cycles per second, but at a very low current. As a result, the high voltage overcomes the natural resistance of the wood to electrical current flow. The Electro−Gun’s electrical discharge is pulsed on and off at a rate of 60 times per second, with each pulse having a frequency of 60,000 Hz.

The very low current levels and the pulsing action, along with the "skin effect" (documented by Pender & Delmar, 1956) due to the high frequency, provides for operator and occupant safety as well as preventing an undue rise in temperature preventing scorching or burning of the wood. Usual temperature elevation during treatment is only 10−20°, well below the incendiary level (approximately 800°) of wood.

How it Reaches the Termites

The current reaches the termites inside the wood via the 90,000 + voltage push which is stronger than the wood’s natural resistance to electrical current flow. The laws of physics indicate that electricity will always follow the path of least resistance, therefor when the high voltage current hits a termite gallery, the current will instantly shoot through zapping the termites along the way.

This occurs because the moist air in the galleries and the moist bodies of the termites offers less resistance to the current than the wood. By slowly "scanning" the surface of the wood, an experienced High Voltage treatment technician can usually tell by listening to the Electro−Gun’s sound, and observing the pattern of the electrical current flow from the Electro−Gun that he has probably found a gallery, even when the galleries cannot be seen.

The very low current levels and the pulsing action, along with the "skin effect" (documented by Pender & Delmar, 1956) due to the high frequency, provides for operator and occupant safety as well as preventing an undue rise in temperature preventing scorching or burning of the wood. Usual temperature elevation during treatment is only 10−20°, well below the incendiary level (approximately 800°) of wood.

How Termites are Killed

Most of the termites are killed instantly by direct electrical shock from the high voltage current emitted by the Electro−Gun. Tests have shown that even if the termites don’t take a direct hit from the current flow, but only a minor shock, the minor shock appears to kill the microscopic, symbiotic protozoan parasites that live in their digestive system. This makes it impossible for them to digest cellulose. Since the termite can no longer digest food, it dies within 2−6 weeks.

Limitations

The Electro−Gun, like all treatment methods, including chemical fumigation, has limitations. The Electro−Gun is not practical where infestations are widespread or inaccessible. It should not be used as a stand−alone treatment if infestations are diagnosed next to metal, concrete or earth ground.

These items can cause the electrical current to be distracted or diverted away from the termites and galleries as they are more conductive than the moisture of the termite and it’s galleries. In cases such as these, Bug Central will recommend other alternatives to effectively eliminate the infestations.

The High Voltage treatment followed by injection of a very low toxic Bora-Care solution will be effective in keeping termites from returning the empty galleries. Since the current output level of the Electro−Gun could damage certain electronic components, some electronic items must be disconnected and moved away from the treatment areas. These items are listed in the Customer Preparation Guide.