Are you worried about the potential for termite infestations at your property? If so, a chemical termite barrier could be the best solution for protecting your home from costly damage. In this article, we’re breaking down exactly how termite barriers work and how much they cost. Read on to learn more!
What Are Chemical Termite Barriers and How Do They Work?
Chemical Termite Barriers, also known as treated zones, are installed to the soil around the perimeter of a building or structures slab post construction to deter termites from gaining concealed access.
A Chemical Termite Barrier is installed in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3660.2, whereby the soil is treated around the structure, to an area of at least 150mm wide and to a depth of 50mm below the top of the footing , with a chemical mixture of a specific insecticide that has been approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for the treatment of termites, in accordance with the rates and manner specified on the label.
Depending on the insecticide used, a chemical termite barrier will either repel termites and prevent concealed termite entry or kill the termites through contact and ingestion as they continue to forage through the soil.
Termite Reticulation Systems
Termite Reticulation Systems are typically lengths of perforated pipe that are installed during the installation of a chemical termite barrier and have filler points at various intervals around the perimeter of the slab.
Insecticide is not pumped, known as ‘charging’, through the Termite Reticulation System at the time of installation as the chemical termite barrier is installed to the soil at the same time.
The Termite Reticulation Systems is charged several years later, when the life expectancy of the insecticide used to install the chemical termite barrier has been reached. The system is charged at a relatively low pressure ensuring that the insecticide is delivered from the pipe in a controlled manner to create a treated zone in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3660.1.
Chemical termite barriers must be correctly installed by a licensed pest manager in accordance with the product label for them to be effective.
The Most Effective Chemical Termite Barriers
Depending on where your property is based, chemical termite barriers can be a very cost-effective investment and offer peace of mind in protecting against destructive termites. These days, the most effective chemical termite barriers are those installed using a non-repellent insecticide such as Fipronil. Using a non-repellent, termites cannot detect the insecticide and readily move through them, taking the insecticide with them as they return to the nest and transferring it to other termites in the colony, eventually eliminating the colony including the queen.
One of the most widely known and arguably the best non-repellent insecticides for Chemical Termite Barriers is Termidor.
How Much Do Chemical Termite Barriers Cost
The cost of a chemical termite barriers varies depending on the size of the property, the materials around the property such as concrete and tiles, the depth of the footings, the soil type and the insecticide used. Indicatively, at Surekil Pest Control, our Chemical Termite Barriers start from $45 per linear metre to treat sandy soil to a depth of 300mm.
Is It Better To Wait Until I See Signs Of Termites Before Installing A Chemical Termite Barrier?
Regular Termite Inspections by a licensed pest management professional will alert you to any areas of concern and conducive conditions that may be present. It is best to discuss your requirements and your options with your pest manager to decide if installing a Chemical Termite Barrier is the best choice for your property.
How To Choose The Right Type Of Chemical Termite Barrier For Your Property
Choosing the right type of chemical termite barrier for your property can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Before selecting your termite protection, ensure that you have a Termite Inspections by a licensed pest manager to make sure that the property doesn’t currently have any activity and find out what your any areas of concern are and if you have conducive conditions. Your pest manager should recommend any required treatment options and the best chemical termite barrier option for your property based on factors such as the property design, construction, soil, landscaping, access and vegetation.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the insecticides and products that they are recommending and why they are recommending them over other options, all of this information will help you make an informed decision on whether you are being recommended the best chemical termite barrier for your property.
Can Termites Get Through Chemical Termite Barriers?
As with all termite management systems, no system is failsafe and can never be guaranteed to prevent concealed termite access to buildings and structures. There are many factors that can potentially limit the ability of a pest manager and the chemical termite barrier to achieve the desired results and ideal outcome, some examples of the limitations are:
- Constraints and restrictions imposed by the design of the buildings.
- Constructions issues and faults
- Site conditions, especially the soil condition
- Landscaping restrictions
- Limitations on access to inspect, treat and monitor areas of the property
- Restrictive vegetation close to buildings
- Concrete slab areas
If you’re concerned about termite activity or damage to your home, get in touch with Surekil Pest Control. We’ve been providing the Gold Coast, Tweed and Byron regions with termite management services for over 20 years. We can advise on the best method of treatment for your home, and we can help you choose the right barrier for your needs and install it properly. Request an obligation free quote or call us on 1300 991 322 today.
