Chemical Soil Treatments
How does a chemical soil treatment provide protection against termite attacks on buildings?
A chemical soil treatment involves the application of liquid termiticide to the soil surrounding and beneath buildings. High volumes of termiticide are used to saturate the soil, while the actual timbers or internal structures of the building are not treated.
The primary objective of a chemical soil treatment is to establish a “treated zone” that acts as a barrier, preventing termites from traveling through the soil and accessing the building by infiltrating its footings.
The effectiveness of such a treatment relies on the establishment of a complete and uninterrupted treated zone that seamlessly integrates with the building’s structural elements, such as a concrete slab or concrete strip footings. When properly installed as a continuous and unbroken barrier in direct contact with the building’s concrete footings, it is highly likely to prevent concealed termite entry into the building. However, any gaps in the treatment or cracks in the building’s footings can provide avenues for termites to access the structure, similar to leaving a gate open in a fence surrounding a paddock.
It’s important to note that chemical soil treatments are not designed to kill termites or eradicate termite colonies. They also do not prevent termites from appearing in nearby untreated areas or landscaping. Their primary purpose is to impede concealed termite ingress into a treated building. In some cases, termites may even “bridge” over the top of a chemically treated zone to gain access to a home. However, if they do so, their activity may be detected during regular termite inspections as recommended, allowing prompt action to address the issue before significant damage occurs. Call our team today at Professional Termite Control Melbourne to find out if a Chemical Soil Treatment is right for your property.