Termites can cause billions of dollars in property damage each year, and the biggest culprit contributing the lion’s share to this number is the subterranean termite. Luckily there are several control options that can help remove or prevent a termite infestation, with one of the most popular options being the termite barrier.

Physical barriers

The termite physical barrier consists of a variety of materials that are either installed as a block or a mesh, and which creates a perimeter in the ground around the home, which will keep termites out. These termite barriers are extremely durable and they can last for up to 50 years. However, their main drawback is that they can only be installed during the construction process. After a home has been built, these barriers are either very expensive to install or outright impossible.

Chemical barriers

Chemical barriers are a much more accessible control option. They are installed by digging a trench around the home, and injecting termiticide inside of this trench. The termiticides seep into the ground and they soak the earth creating a barrier. Any termites that will then come into contact with this barrier will die. Chemical barriers can be installed long after the home has been constructed, and they are relatively cheap, but they only provide protection for 8 years.

Alternatives

Barriers do come with their drawbacks. To start, they are only effective against subterranean termites. If you are dealing with a drywood or dampwood infestation, then you will need to use either direct application insecticides or fumigation.

Second, these barriers will not actually kill off the subterranean termite colony responsible for the infestation, they will only cut off its contact with the home. With the colony still in place, it may infest other areas of the property, which are not covered by the barrier, such as a shed, a wooden fence or a garage. In order to kill off the colony, you will need to use a baiting system. The baiting system will draw in termite workers with poisoned cellulose, and this cellulose will be taken back to the colony and shared around. Eventually, it will reach the queen, kill it off, and destroy the colony’s reproductive capacity with it.

Contact us today if you have any questions about termite barriers, or if you are dealing with a termite infestation that needs to be removed.