Termite Barrier

Photo by Malcolm TattersallWorking with termite chemicals and termiticides is dangerous, especially if you’re installing a termite barrier. I don’t recommend this unless you really know what you’re doing – termite baiting is a far better and safer do-it-yourself termite control option. However, if you do decide to use chemicals then please follow the precautions suggested by the manufacturer of those chemicals. Wear protective clothing, shoes, gloves, masks and goggles when dealing with these toxic chemicals.

Termite Barrier Before Construction

Prevention is easier and cheaper than control, so remember to treat any wooden parts of your home with chemical products such as Timbor before installation. Before laying any of the foundations, a chemical barrier needs to be placed underneath. Read the label for the correct rate of application but a usual rate is 1 gallon per every 10 square feet. Obviously remember to do this before laying the foundations, however if the house is already constructed there are still solutions as you can see on the next page.

Once the foundation of the home has been constructed, dig a trench that is about 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep that is adjacent to the foundation of the home. A simple spade or shovel can be used to create this. Read the label of the product you’re using as these are approximate measurements. The liquid should be applied at the suggested dilution rate and make sure it covers the whole area surrounding the foundation. When taking this option remember to apply the chemicals equally throughout the trench.

Termite Barrier After Construction

It is possible to lay chemical barriers into your home after construction has occurred but it is more difficult. However this can still be done by injecting termiticides into the soil by drilling small holes through the basement floor at regular intervals, but first inspect your home thoroughly. Different states may have different recommendations on how frequently the holes need to be drilled and how diluted the termiticide solutions should be, so check the labels and local government websites.

Chemicals can be injected along the outside walls through a process called “rodding”. This is where a soil nozzle is placed next to the basement wall and chemicals are poured in creating a continuous chemical barrier from the foot of the basement to the surface. This process can be applied to not only the basement foundations but also can be used in the protection of piping. Read the label for the correct amount of chemicals to use, the rate will be something similar to 3 gallons for every 10 linear feet.

If you have crawl space beneath your home then “rodding” can also be used to reach the lower spaces.

Once the basement and foundations have been termite proofed, you can construct a trench that is adjacent to the foundation of your home. A simple spade or shovel can be used to create this. Read the label of the product you’re using as they will give you the appropriate measurements for building the trench. The liquid can be applied at the suggested dilution rate and make sure it covers the whole area surrounding the foundation.