Termites control normally use soil chemical treatments that act as barriers between subterranean termites and the house. Other barrier control methods that don't rely on termiticides as the primary deterrent are called physical barriers. Physical termite barriers do not kill termites. Instead, they create a physical roadblock that is difficult for termites to penetrate directly.
Physical barriers commercially available include aggregate, stainless steel mesh, and plastic impregnated with a termiticide.
Aggregate Barrier Or Basaltic Termites Barrier (BTB)
Aggregate barriers, sometimes called basaltic or sand barriers, uses rock particles of a specific size to prevent termite penetration. Termites move soil by using their mouth rather than by digging with their legs or bodies, and aggregate in the 1 to 3-mm range is too large for them to manage.
The principle behind aggregate or basaltic termites barrier (BTB) is simple. The particles of BTB are small enough that they pack tightly and do not allow termites to squeeze through. They are also big and heavy enough that the termites can't pick them up and move them. Finally, the particles are too hard for the termites to chew.
Aggregate barriers are installed between the soil and the foundation, slab, or other vulnerable spots in the house perimeter. The building design and site soil characteristics determine how and where aggregate barriers are placed, but the strategy is to block access for termites residing in the soil to the foundation or utility penetrations.
Problems may occur where the soil is unstable or not fully compacted, when surfaces at the edges of the barrier are rough or irregular, or if there is no protection from mixing with the adjacent soil material.
Stainless Steel Mesh Barrier
Stainless steel mesh barriers have a screen opening that is too small for termites to pass through and too durable for them to shear. Mesh barriers have aperture size of 0.66 mm x 0.45 mm and come in 47.24 in. by 100 ft. rolls. This mesh recently developed and patented in Australia as Termi-Mesh™.
Mesh barriers can be applied over potential entry points into the foundation, such as service pipe penetrations, control joints, brick or block piers, etc. The mesh is bonded to the cement or masonry foundation using bonding cement or epoxy resin. Stainless steel clamps are used to fasten the mesh to pipes.
A mesh barrier is installed around the perimeter of a home and around utility penetrations or expansion joints. Installation shall be accomplished only through accredited installers - typically associated with a pest control operation. Penetrations are treated by fashioning a collar around the utility line and clamping the mesh to the utility. Other installations include under slab, in cavity walls, cold-joint installation between structures, over concrete masonry units, and around timber post supported structures.
Plastic Barrier
Plastic barrier are designed to be installed around pipes and electrical conduit extending through slab foundations. The system also includes a tub trap barrier for the tub drain penetration through a slab. It consist of composite fibre blanket and plastic membrane with termiticide impregnation.
Plastic termite barriers are also installed around utility penetrations through slabs and foundations using clamps. This process is performed prior to the pouring of the slab, and so concrete encases the entire assembly. This system prevents termite entrance through concrete shrinkage cracks, or gaps caused by utility vibration. Termite barriers are not intended as a stand-alone termite control system, but are designed to complement chemical or bait termite control measures. Certified contractors in the pest control field should install plastic termite barrier systems.
Conclusion
This new method in controlling termites infestation can be safer to use and potentially less harmful to the environment than relying only on toxic pesticides. Even though it may cost more initially but it lead to long-term solutions. Physical termite barriers are most effective when installed before or early in the construction process to ensure the best protection.
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