The Electro-Gun has been developed through extensive research and field testing over the last twenty years. It is now in its fourth and most effective generation of production. It has been in commercial service for over nineteen years, and is now rapidly becoming established as THE state-of-the-art for the control of localized infestations of drywood termites.
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. Since the laws of physics indicate that electricity will always follow the path of least resistance, when the termites or galleries (tunnels) are encountered, the current will flow into the gallery and to the termites, killing them. 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 Electro-Gun 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 the galleries that cannot be seen.
How Termites are Killed: Most of the termites are killed instantly by direct electrical shock since the current level emitted by the Electro-Gun, while too little to kill humans, is fatal to small termites. 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 and that make it possible for them to digest cellulose. Since the termite can no longer digest food, it dies within 2-6 weeks.
The Inspector's Role: The days of the superficial inspection are over. The inspector who used to do a quick look, find one or two "Kickouts" and told the homeowners that they needed fumigation, is being replaced with a true professional who is up to date in technology and who can formulate a combined treatment plan, much like a physician does for his patients. That's why our clients' management, supervisors and inspectors will be trained by Etex at the factory. Mastering and using this technology is no more difficult than a thorough job of fumigation and considerably more cost effective for both the PCO and the homeowner. Contact us at Etex through FEEDBACK or by FAX, phone or email for a complete description of the Etex Method for effective non-chemical termite control, and let us explain how the Electro-Gun can add to your bottom line while saving money and providing convenience for your customers.
Efficacy Testing: The Electro-Gun was first tested in 1983, by Dr. W. Ebeling, Professor Emeritus at UCLA. His full report, which attests to the efficacy of the Electro-Gun, is available from Etex. In 1994, Drs. Vernard Lewis and Michael Haverty performed extensive comparative testing of several methods of termite control at U.C. Berkeley. The Electro-Gun was among the methods tested, and the final voluminous report, released in 1996, shows that, when the Electro-Gun was properly used in accordance with Etex's recommendations, 93.8% of the termites treated in the structure were dead when counted 72 hours later, and, overall 98.6% of the termites in the structure treated were dead within 4 weeks. There were no counts beyond 4 weeks. Much confusion has been caused by Dr Lewis's and Haverty's research report as the Electro-Gun was tested twice. The first test conducted used the gun in areas not recommended by the manufacturer, thus this misuse was reflected in the poor efficacy totals of only 80% overall kill. The second test conducted used the Electro-Gun in areas where it is recommended for use and thus this too was reflected in the efficacy data totaling 98.6% overall kill. Unfortunately many of our competitors as well as the pro-chemical groups always find it convenient to quote the 80% efficacy rather than the true efficacy of 98.6%. To help clear up this issue and prove to anyone who might have been confused or misled by the U.C. Berkeley report, Etex went half way around the world to Australia to insure that the Electro-Gun could again be tested by an impartial research organization. The research was conducted at the world renowned CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization) Forestry Products Laboratory in Clayton, Australia by J.W. Creffield, J.R.J. French and N. Chew. The results of this now published research study found the Electro-Gun to be 100% effective. Efficacy Report The complete report is far too voluminous to be provided on these web pages. However, you will see in the following letter from key people in charge of the study at the University, that the Electro-Gun proved to be overall 98% effective in the Villa Termite test location. University of California, Berkeley Efficacy Study
Advantages of the Electro-Gun Treatment: The Electro-Gun itself is totally non-chemical, therefore it is not necessary to move the customer out of their home for several days or remove food, plants, plastics, clothing or furniture (all-wood furniture can also be treated with the Electro-Gun) while treatment is taking place. There is no residual danger to pets or humans. There are no worries of possible damage to the roof, TV antennas and exterior plants as can happen with fumigation. Because of the mobility of the Electro-Gun, it can be used to treat diagnosed infestations in the attic, subareas, and just about any other accessible area of a home or building.
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, another treatment method such as microwave, heat, cold, or chemical spot treatment must be used in addition to the Electro-Gun. Many times treatment with the Electro-Gun followed by injection of a very low toxic borate solution will be effective. Since the current output level of the Electro-Gun could damage certain electronic components, some electronic items must be disconnected. These items are listed in the Customer Preparation Guide given to the customer by the inspector when the Electro-Gun is going to be used in their home or building.
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