Termite Barriers – What You Need To Know

Termite Barriers: How They Work, Are They Safe? Installation and Prices

Termite damage to homes and buildings in Australia is a real problem. Left unchecked, termites can cause extensive damage and even weaken the structural integrity of a building. CSIRO Research shows that an estimated 1 in 3 houses will be effected by termite infestation at some stage. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your home from these tiny pests. One of the best methods for keeping your home safe is installing a termite barrier. In this guide, you’ll learn what a termite barrier is, how it works and why you should use one.

What Is  Termite Barrier?

A termite barrier is any physical or chemical barrier that helps keep termites away from your home or building. Common barriers include chemical treatments like termiticides and baits, as well as physical barriers such as metal mesh or concrete slabs. These barriers act as boundaries, encouraging the termites to stay away from your structure while still allowing them access to food sources in the surrounding soil. Using a termite barrier can help you protect your home from costly damages caused by these insects. They provide an extra layer of protection beyond traditional pest control techniques and can be extremely effective at keeping termites away from wood structures for years after installation. Additionally, the materials used for these barriers are often more affordable than expensive repair bills. This makes them an ideal solution for homeowners on a budget looking to protect their investments from destructive pests like termites. By installing a termite barrier around your property, you can save yourself time and money in the long run by avoiding potential repairs from infestations. With proper maintenance and upkeep, these barriers can help keep your property safe for many years to come!

What kinds of barrier are there?

There are two main types of termite barriers: chemical and physical. Chemical barriers make use of termiticides, which are specialised chemicals that either kill or repel termites. Physical barriers, on the other hand, create a physical barrier between the soil and wood structures around your property. These can include metal mesh, sand, concrete slabs or treated lumber. Both types of barriers can be effective at keeping termites away from your home if maintained properly.

What is a physical termite barrier?

A physical termite barrier is any barrier that creates a physical boundary between the soil and wood structures around your property. Common barriers include metal mesh, concrete slabs, treated lumber or sand. These barriers form an obstacle that keeps termites away from your home while still allowing them access to food sources in the surrounding soil. Physical barriers work by adhering to the standards outlined in building codes. The metal mesh used as a termite barrier is usually made of galvanized steel and must meet strict requirements before it can be installed around a home or building. Once placed, the mesh acts as a barrier that prevents termites from entering into wooden structures while still providing ventilation and drainage throughout the area. This helps to keep your home safe from costly damages caused by these tiny pests!

What is a termite chemical barrier?

A termite chemical barrier uses a specialised type of termiticide used to repel or kill termites that are trying to enter your home. Termiticides are basically chemicals used to kill termites. Termiticides are an important part of any termite prevention and protection plan. They work by creating a strong repellent barrier around the foundation of your home, making it difficult for termites to gain access.

About Termidor

One popular brand of termiticide is Termidor, which has been trusted by professionals in the pest control industry since 1996. It boasts an 8-year warranty with renewable terms, giving you peace of mind that it will remain effective over time. Termidor uses fipronil as its active ingredient, which is designed to penetrate deep into the soil and create a lasting chemical barrier.

How do termite chemical barriers work?

In essence, when applied correctly, these chemicals will form a continuous shield around your property that is resistant to moisture and heat. This shield creates an environment within which the termites cannot survive or reproduce, preventing them from entering your home through any cracks or crevices in the foundation or walls.

What is the termite barrier treatment process?

The termite barrier treatment process involves several steps. First, any existing paving or concrete must be removed to access the soil. A trench is then dug around the perimeter of your home and filled with a mix of gravel and stones that has been treated with insecticides. Next, holes are drilled into the ground at regular intervals (usually 40-50 millimetres apart) to create a lineal pattern in which chemical termiticides are placed. These chemicals may include clay or liquid termiticides, depending on your situation. Once all this preparation is complete, it’s time for the actual treatment – usually within one metre of the wall where you’ve laid out the previous materials.

Chemical versus Physical. Which is best?

When it comes to choosing between chemical versus physical barriers, there is no definite best choice as both have their benefits and drawbacks. Chemical barriers can provide efficient protection against termites while being relatively easy to install compared to physical barriers; however, they can be costly and require meticulous maintenance over time. On the other hand, physical barriers can be more affordable but require more labor and skill to properly install them. Both types of barrier offer tremendous protection against termites when installed correctly and will help maintain the integrity of your home for many years.

Are chemical barriers safe?

Generally speaking, yes chemical barriers are considered safe for both humans and animals when used as intended under professional supervision. Proper installation is key to ensure that the chemicals are not exposed to the environment or used in an unsafe manner. When handled and applied correctly, chemical barriers can be highly effective against termite infestations without any risk of harm to people or animals in the vicinity.

FAQ

How long do chemical barriers last?

The lifetime of a chemical termite barrier when applied according to manufacturer instructions is typically around 8 years, with some products offering up to 10-year assurance warranties.

How much does a chemical termite barrier cost?

The cost of a chemical termite barrier depends on the size and scope of the project, but can range from $850 -$2,500 or more depending on factors such as location, soil type and brand of substances used.

How long does the installation take?

On average, the installation of a chemical termite barrier may take a professional technician up to eight hours. This time can vary depending on the size of the project and lineal meters required.

Will a termite barrier damage my home?

A termite barrier should not damage your home. The pest control company will take care to minimize any disruption to your home during the installation process.

What are repellent termiticides? How do they work?

Repellent termiticides are chemicals that are used in termite barriers to repel termites. They work by creating a chemical barrier that termites can sense and will avoid. The termites are able to detect the chemical and will not cross it, which helps to prevent them from entering the building.

What are non-repellent termiticides? How do they work?

Non-repellent termiticides are chemicals that are used in termite barriers, but they do not have a strong odor and are not detectable by termites. Instead, they work through a process called the “transfer effect,” where the termites come into contact with the chemical and then transfer it to other termites in the colony, eventually killing them all. Non-repellent termiticides are effective at controlling termites because the termites do not know that they are being poisoned and will continue to spread the chemical throughout the colony.

Are there any other types of barriers?

In addition to chemical termite barriers, there are also termite baiting systems which involve the use of bait stations that are placed in the ground around the perimeter of a building. They contain an attractant that draws termites to it, and once they feed on it, they take the bait back to their nest where they will share with other colonies – eventually leading to extermination. The baits need to be replenished at regular intervals in order to remain effective against termites. Annual inspections are important after installing a barrier as this ensures the system is working correctly and any issues can be identified and rectified if needed.

Conclusion

To sum up, termite infestations can cause serious damage to a home and taking proactive steps is necessary to prevent them. Chemical barriers and baiting systems are two popular methods of combating these pests, however it is important to remember that regular monitoring and maintenance is needed for a successful outcome. Homeowners should always keep an eye out for the warning signs of termites, as early intervention can save a lot of headaches in the long run!