When it comes to dealing with subterranean termites, homeowners have two options at their disposal – chemical barriers and baiting systems. Of the two, chemical barriers are the more popular option and they are much more effective at stopping an infestation in its tracks quickly. Let’s take a look at chemical barriers, what they are, and how they work.
How is a chemical barrier installed?
Chemical barriers are exactly what they sound like – they are barriers made out of chemicals. In order to install a chemical barrier, a ditch is dug around the home, and then it is filled with termiticide. This creates an impenetrable perimeter around the building, which will prevent termites from traveling to and from the home.
There are several termiticides that can be used in a chemical barrier – with some that are fast acting and kill termites on contact, and others that are slow acting and are designed to be spread around and kill off an entire colony. The fast acting barriers are effective at stopping an infestation in its tracks, while the slow acting barriers will stop both the infestation and destroy the colony, but they will take longer to stop the damage that is occurring in the home.
Alternatives to chemical barriers
Chemical barriers are only effective against subterranean termites, because this species has to travel to the home and back to the colony though the ground. Drywood and dampwood termites are unaffected and they need to be treated using different methods. As such, the only alternative to the chemical barrier against subterranean termites is the baiting system.
A baiting system consists of plastic containers that are placed in the ground, with poisoned cellulose inside them. The termites will find the cellulose, and then share it around the colony, killing off a ton of workers and eventually the queen. The main disadvantage of the baiting system is that it takes a long time to kill off the colony, time in which the termites continue doing damage to the home.
Should you go with a chemical barrier?
Chemical barriers are currently the standard when it comes to subterranean termite control, and they remain active for 8 years or more. They are definitely a very effective treatment method. If you would like to know more about chemical barriers, or if you have a termite infestation in the home that needs to be removed, contact us today.
