Termite Prevention
The first step in protecting a house is to prevent termites from gaining access. This is achieved by placing a barrier under or around the house. Barriers are designed to deter termites or bring their presence out into the open. Barriers can be physical or chemical in nature.
Physical barriers
Physical barriers are so-called because they rely on the physical resistance of the material to resist termite attack. These are usually installed during new constructions, but some can be retro-fitted to existing houses.
Barriers can be placed under concrete slabs, foundations and within cavity walls.
Physical barriers are made from metal, crushed rock or other materials that termites cannot chew through, and in which any gaps are too small for termites to move through. Most of these products have to be installed by professionals that are licensed by the manufacturers.
Ant caps are installed at the top of underfloor piers or stumps to force termites into the open where they are easier to detect during regular inspections. Ant caps are not a barrier by themselves.
Chemical barriers
Chemical barriers are so-called because they rely on a chemical to resist termite attack. The chemicals are usually insecticides. These barriers can be placed under concrete slabs, foundations and around houses. Chemical barriers can be installed in new and existing structures, but can only be installed by licensed pest controllers. There are two types of chemical barriers in-soil and in-plastics. In-soil chemical barriers are formed when the chemical is applied to the soil under or around the foundations of a building. In-plastic chemical barriers are plastic sheets containing a chemical - these are typically installed like physical barriers.
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