Robo-exterminator is termite's nightmare

(Credit: Gizmag)

We love those indefatigable cleaning twins, the "Roomba" and "Scooba," but they're yesterday's news. The "LawnBott"? It's OK, but we just can't get all that excited about cutting grass. But a gadget that seeks out and kills termites--now that's our kinda house-bot.

The "Termibot" uses video and thermal-imaging cameras to detect the presence of a nest and then blasts its hapless inhabitants with pesticides, all without the need to tear down walls. The current version, which Gizmag says is scheduled for release this year, uses a long cable but is likely to go wireless later on.

This robo-exterminator's targets aren't confined to termites, by the way. But no, its definition of domestic pests doesn't include humans.

[BobTheBugman]

No way this things going to take away my job!

LOL, this is a cute little gizmo. There is absolutely no replacement for the skilled termite inspector and total home treatment. A spot treatment will help with an active infestation, but its not going to get to the root of the problem, which is the nearby termite colony or colonies around the home. Only a full and complete treatment will protect the structure for the long term. I can see this robot being used as a tool by the termite technician, but only that.

For more information about termites and how to really control them, check out http://www.bobthebugman.com/guide/termites.html - my own termite info page.

[americanman1]

There is nothing better than a liquid non repellent for controlling termites. UseTermidor for termite pest control. It does a number on termites for years and years. It also does a number on ants for about 6 months on the outside too. Get yourself some termidor. Here are a couple places you can get it online
http://www.allpestexpress.com or http://www.pestcontrolamerica.com - or you can call a professional to do a termite treatment for you. You have to have the right termite control supplies and equipment to do a proper job yourself. Stay away from the machines for termite control. They don't work at all.