Repellent Barrier Treatments for Termites

Modern chemical barrier treatments are performed using much the same methods as chlordane was, but with newer chemicals. The basic idea is the same: A chemical barrier that is impassable by termites is created under and around the building.

 

Advantages:

Chemical barrier treatment is fast. When performed properly, a house can be essentially termite-free within a few days of treatment.

 

Disadvantages:

• Some modern liquid termiticides do not bond very well to the soil and will leach. This is undesirable from both an ecological and a termite-control point of view.

• Some liquid termiticides break down and lose their effectiveness due to environmental factors.
  Others are so repellent that termites may build shelter tubes through the chemical barrier to travel between the house and the soil, thus defeating the barrier.

• Chemical barrier treatment requires a continuous, unbroken chemical barrier. This often means removing flooring, pulling back carpeting, and drilling holes through concrete.