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Integrated approaches using both physical and chemical methods are the most successful total termite barrier.
There are a number of termite barrier options including:
- Physical barrier treatments
- Chemical barrier treatments
- Monitoring and baiting systems
Prevention of termite infestation
Preventative measures are easily applied during the construction of new buildings. Important strategies include reducing the amount of timber used in buildings, a properly designed concrete slab with edges exposed for inspection for termite activity, or provision for easy under-floor inspections of timber floors.
Preventative measures rely heavily on the establishment of barriers to stop the termites getting into the premises or timber from the underlying soil.
Currently, two types of termite barriers are used, chemical or physical, often in combination.
Physical termite barriers
Metal shields, stainless steel mesh or granite chip barriers can all be used to stop termites getting into buildings. Termite shields (caps and strip shields) are installed on all substructures (isolated piers or posts and along walls, etc) to provide a continuous barrier.
Chemical termite barriers
Chemicals that are used to kill termites are called termiticides.
Termiticides have differing modes of action, and several methods are used to apply them. For many new buildings, creation of a termiticide-treated layer of soil surrounding and under the building form an integrated barrier together with the physical methods described above.
This needs to be carefully worked out by a qualified pest control operator.
Bait Systems
Strategically placed bait stations can be used to attract termites with an attractive food such as dry wood or paper refuse.
Once the termites are attracted to the bait station, a particular termiticide is added. It is quickly spread through the colony by foraging termites due to their communal grooming activity and ultimately reaches and kills the queen.
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Termites are prevalent in moist sandy soils, like beachside suburbs especially where underground water is present but clay and other soils are also quite susceptible. In Melbourne, there is a pattern of termite activity along the Yarra river basin. But they can attack anywhere and no suburb is immune.
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