Understanding Chemical and Physical Termite Barriers
Individuals frequently mix up Chemical and Physical Termite Barriers. They are not the same, however. Liquid termiticides are used in chemical barriers to kill foraging termites, whereas physical termite barriers utilize plastic sheeting impregnated with termiticides that are placed around your property’s foundations and pipe penetrations to keep termites from entering into your property.
Termites are a serious problem in Australia, with as many as one-third of homes affected to some degree. It’s also thought that at least 50% of houses infested with active termite colonies could have been prevented if proactive measures such as termite barriers or termite baits or monitoring stations had been used.
It’s critical to detect termite infestations as soon as possible, since they may cause significant structural damage and result in costly repairs. This is why it’s critical for property owners to use every method available to keep their properties safe.
Chemical termite barriers are one of the most efficient preventative treatments.
What exactly is a termite chemical barrier?
A chemically treated zone encircles the perimeter of a building or structure, known as a termite barrier. This treated zone is located underground and is utilized to obstruct the termites’ natural route.
Termites are unable to breach the treated area and gain access to your home because of the chemicals used in the construction of this barrier. Termites entering direct contact with the treatment are destroyed, and also, over time, the entire colony is eradicated as a result of the treatment’s effects being dispersed among termites.
How do termite chemical barriers actually work?
It’s critical that a thorough termite inspection be completed before a chemical termite barrier is installed. This is done to make sure there aren’t any active termites on the premises. Obviously, if live termites are discovered on the site, they must be exterminated before the barrier can be put in place.
if live termites are discovered during the inspection process we apply immediate treatment to the termite infested areas and return for a follow-up inspection 21 days after discovering live termites to ensure that the infestation has been fully eliminated before putting in place the chemical barrier. Installation of the barrier may begin immediately if no termites are found.
The final stage of the defense is to dig a trench around the building’s perimeter, about 300mm wide and deep enough to expose the foundations. This trench is then drenched with a termiticide chemical compound combined with water that binds to the soil.
Termites that search the earth for food come into touch with the barrier, which delivers a deadly dose of the chemical to the termites.The industry’s best product is Fipforce HP, which has a “transfer effect,” meaning the barrier not only prevents termites from entering your property but also passes over the chemical’s impact on other termites, resulting in the complete colony being destroyed.
Non repellent Termiticides such as Fipforce HP are far more effective, as cheap repellents simply deter termites, without killing them off or eradicating the main nest.
Are Chemicals barriers a environmentally friendly option?
In the past, termite barriers have been given a bad name as pesticides and other chemical compounds were used to control termites that were later found to harm the environment and pose potential health risk to people and pets. These often included organic chlorides or hydrocarbons that persist in the environment for a long time and could potentially pollute groundwater.
However there has been big improvements in product used for termite barriers or treated zones. These new products are water based biodegradable and have no effect on soil microorganisms, earthworms or plants and are designed so they tightly bind to the soil so they do not leech into water sources making them a safer more environmentally conscious option.
Traditional physical termite barriers vs. chemical barriers
Chemical termite barriers are an excellent preventative option for buildings and homes that do not have a physical barrier. They give protection without requiring any expensive structural modifications.
It should also be stated that, owing to changes in building standards, virtually all new houses now include physical termite barriers. These are specially treated plastic or metal mesh sheeting that is placed beneath or around the concrete slab’s (or foundations’) edges during the construction of the structure.
They are a fantastic long-term preventative measure because they may be effective for up to 50 years.
However, for many structures constructed before the code adjustments, a chemical termite barrier is an excellent option. Chemical barriers provide your home with long-term protection while maintaining building structural integrity.
In contrast, while physical barriers prevent termites from entering the property, they don’t provide the added benefit of colony control which non repellent termiticides such as Fipforce HP can offer.
Both when used together provide the most effective termite protection.
How long are chemical barriers effective for?
Only the highest quality Fipforce HP chemical barriers are used by Clean & Green Pest Managers, which are effective for up to 8 years.
Every one of our installations is done in accordance with Australian regulations, and as Fipforce HP-trained experts, we can give that assurance to our clients.
All of our chemical barriers have been tested and certified. After the job is finished, the client is given a warranty certificate as well. It’s worth noting that this guarantee is subject to 12 monthly inspections.
This is simply to ensure that your barrier is maintained to a high standard and also to ensure that we detect any potential disruptions to the barrier ahead of time before any termite damage occurs.
Chemical barriers and the safety of your family members
The active substance in termite barriers is similar to those used in many popular pet flea treatments, therefore it poses no immediate hazards to children or pets.
It’s a liquid solution that’s injected into the soil, rather than an airborne chemical used for many other types of treatments. This means no one who goes to the site will be exposed.
However, as a precaution, we recommend that pets be kept indoors while the barrier is installed. The liquid barrier generally takes around 4 hours to dry after that, allowing you to be certain that your children and pets can play safely in the yard.
The average cost of a termite barrier installation?
The price of termite chemical barriers is determined by the size of the property to be protected. Cost is usually calculated per lineal meter, so bigger properties cost more.
The cost of a typically sized Four-bedroom property on a regular block is between $3500 and $5000. Of course, this comes with a guarantee; yearly termite inspections are advised as per Australian norms , and it will protect your home for 8 years. This may appear to be an expensive option when compared to the long-
It’s always a good idea to get one of our pest controllers to check your home for an accurate quote, but more importantly to ensure that a chemical barrier is the best choice for you.
How long will the installation take?
The time it takes to install chemical termite barrier depends on the the size of your property as well as the construction type.
We typically assign several technicians onsite to reduce installation time. To protect a typical 4-bedroom property with two technicians working, an installation can usually be finished in 7-8 hours. This means we can have your property termite-free within a day or two of starting work.
Common questions about chemical & Physical barriers
Do chemical termite barriers work?
Yes, chemical termite barriers do work and are an effective way to protect your home from termites. Chemical barriers create a liquid repellent barrier that stops termites from entering your property.
How long will my chemical barrier last for?
The active substance in chemical termite barriers dissipates over time, so a Chemical Barrier will usually only last for between 8 and 10 years. While repellent products such as bifenthrin typically last the longest non-repellent products are considered the most effective due to there proven transfer effect and typically last up to 8 years.
What are the benefits of installing a physical termite barrier?
A physical termite barrier is an obstacle that physically blocks termites from entering your home. This could be a metal sheeting, mesh or even a concrete slab. Installing a physical barrier is a more permanent solution when compared to installing a Chemical Barrier.
What are some of the types of termite physical barriers?
Chemical impregnated Membranes:
These typical made from polymer sheets that are strong and flexible. They also contain a insecticide such as bifenthrin or deltamethrin . The insecticide impregnated into this polymer sheeting allows it to act as a physical and chemical barrier. This is why it’s a beneficial and safe option that is also inexpensive.
Termite Collars:
Penetration points that are hidden in slab-built homes need to be protected. Termite collars help stop termites gaining concealed entry through these areas and is to be installed before the concrete is poured.
Sealants & Foams:
Termite foams and sealants are frequently used to address complex construction issues. These fill in the abnormal gaps in the concrete slab’s connection, protecting the house. It is a repellent as well as a filler, keeping termites at bay.
Stainless Steel Mesh:
This is composed of marine grade stainless steel and has passageways that are too small for it to go through. It’s usually attached to a slab or masonry, sometimes going around pipes, and may even be utilized through slabs by passing beneath them.
Ant capping;
These are metal sheets or caps typically placed on foundation walls or piers they are not designed to prevent termites but force the termites to show themselves so they can be more easily detected.
Aggregates:
This method utilizes Crushed granite of a specific size this material is impenetrable and makes hard for termites to get through which prevents them from entering the property. Because of cheaper alternatives, this technique is not frequently used.
Which termite chemical is best?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best termite chemical will vary depending on your specific situation. Our team of experts can help you determine which type of chemical barrier is right for your property.
Conclusion
If you’d like to learn more about our termite barrier chemicals, or discuss which solutions are best for protecting your home from a costly termite infestation, please contact us.
We’ll arrange for one of our pest control experts to come to your house and give you a free estimate, and to ensure that a chemical termite barrier is the best option for you. If not, we’ll be able to identify another solution that better meets your needs.
