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Written by Kevin Rose
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This has worked as a chemical barrier round and below the structure by blocking all the probable entry routes of the termites. The termites trying to enter through the treated soil were killed or repelled. There are however lots of obstacles which hinder the formation of such barriers. Many of entry points of termites are hidden behind walls, floor coverings etc.
Yet another problem with the traditional termite treatment method is that it even when there is access for treatment it becomes difficult to wet the soil uniformly and attain complete coverage. Termites can enter in large numbers even through the smallest of the untreated gaps; therefore it is understandable that this method of treatment failed in correcting the termite problems many a times.
The majority of the termiticides were not stable in most soils. The same reasons that made them good termiticides also made them environmentally unsafe. There are a number of different pesticides that are now used by pest control operators for the purpose of soil treatment. All of these are effective and safe when used as per the instructions on the label. A more better and green approach to controlling termite would be using the termite baiting system. This system is usually more expensive but still is a better alternative and is certainly safer for the whole environment.
Pre treatment is also a viable method of fighting termites. Home and buildings can be pretreated against termite attacks at the time of the construction. It is easier to treat exposed wood and the treatment thus done would last the till the life of the wood. It is also needed that the soil on both sides and surrounding the foundation walls should be treated as per instructions.
Chemical barriers need to be put under the concrete slabs for effective termite pretreatment proofing. It is thus easier to put the barrier treatment before pouring the slabs. This cannot be performed alone and is not a do it yourself project.
Termites are famous for their habit of wood eating and they can ruin unprotected buildings and establishments which are made of wood and timber. They have the ability to hide themselves till the structure has serious damage. Their wreckage can be seen long before one is able to see the termites.
Termites do not constrain their damage to soil and wood they also show damage on paper, cloths, carpets or rugs. They are often found hiding in tunnels and in wooden structures. There are two types of barriers that are used in the termite treatment.
- Chemical barrier against the entry of termites
- Physical barrier against the entry of termites.
Chemical BarrierThe standard chemicals that are used to treat termites are commonly called Organophosphates. This treatment can be executed by various methods. The chemicals can be used under the slabs of buildings or around the perimeter of the structure this method is known as the full under slab treatment. Another method is a partial irrigation type in this method the importance is to the piping systems of the buildings and the chemicals are carried out in the outer and inner sides of the perimeter of the building’s footings. The other method is known as the full irrigation type method, this method is similar to that of the partial irrigation method and is carried out through out the structure. Physical BarrierPhysical barrier is also presented in different methods. One is the slab as a physical barrier against termites. The design of the slab can be created in such a manner that it can serve as the protection against the entry of the termites. The other method is to stick on a woven stainless steel fabric mesh on top of the slab and also under the brinks in the inner perimeter of the walls. Another method is to have graded granite barrier at the base of the cavity.
It is however important that one must not disturb an active termite infestation before deciding on the method of treatment. It is necessary that an experienced operator should be the one to destroy the termite colony a nest by using toxic dust. Once an infestation is discovered it is necessary that ongoing monitoring be done. This process will help in determining the reach of the infestation.
More than 1,800 varieties of termites are in existence today. They are found to live in colonies. They operate and work in well organized system. Most of the common termite species appear clear or white in color; have soft body with six short legs and antennae. Even though they appear small in size the destruction they cause is huge. |
