Exploring the Best Termite Control Methods

Termites can cause significant destruction to susceptible structures so choosing the right preventative measure or treatment for an infestation is crucial.

The Building Code of Australia states that if new buildings are susceptible to termite attack, protective measures must be taken to minimise this risk. While some termite treatments can be retrofitted or applied at any time during a building’s life, for others they need to be installed during construction.

Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of different types of termite control methods so you can decide which will best suit the needs of you and your clients.

In-ground termite monitoring and baiting stations

In-ground termite monitoring systems involve placing plastic ‘stations’ buried in the ground every few metres around a structure. These stations contain either timber monitors for monitoring systems or a preloaded active bait systems, both designed to intercept subterranean termites before they reach a property. Monitoring stations must be regularly inspected and when termites are found attacking the wood then theyshould be replaced with termite bait which contains an active ingredient that will be transferred back to nest for total colony elimination. Active in-ground bait systems provide a more efficient solution for eliminating subterranean termite colonies, the main benefit is as termites begin feeding on the bait matrix they are immediately transferring the bait back to the colony.

Advantages

• Dual functionality – Can be used to proactively detect termites and then bait them, or as 'active baiting’ systems which are pre-loaded with bait
• Eco-friendly – The bait does not infuse chemicals into the soil around the property
• Child and pet-safe – The active ingredient has extremely low toxicity to humans and pets and the bait stations require a special tool to be opened
• Versatile – Can be used in different locations and at any time throughout the life of a building
• All-weather – Remains effective through harsh weather conditions and flooding
• Discreet – The monitoring stations are low-profile fixtures that are flat and even to the rest of the yard and largely invisible
• Total colony elimination – Termite baits are the only proven way to eradicate a termite colony when the location of the nest is unknown

Disadvantages

• Labour-intensive – Requires regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure success. It may be necessary to reposition the bait stations, change the wood to bait once termites are detected, or to replenish the bait
• Drilling holes – Installation of in-ground monitoring and baiting stations may require unobtrusive holes to be drilled into concrete and paving
• No guarantees of success – Even if termites are active in the area, there’s no guarantee that they will find the bait so other methods of termite management may be required in addition to monitoring and bait stations
• Slow-acting – Depending on how much of the population finds and consumes the bait, total colony elimination can take several weeks to a few months or more.
  
  

Above-ground termite baiting stations

Above-ground bait stations contain an insect growth regulator and are installed on identified termite feeding sites and removed once the colony is controlled. The termites consume the bait and take it back to their nest, infecting and eliminating the whole colony.

Advantages

• Total colony elimination – Bait contains an insect growth regulator which is passed throughout the colony for complete elimination
• Non-toxic – In general, IGRs have low toxicity to humans and other non-target animals
• Eco-friendly – Minimal environmental impact as the active ingredient is held within the bait station

Disadvantages

• Labour-intensive – The bait station must be actively monitored and replenished before the termites fully consume the bait
• Slow-acting – IGR only takes effect at select times during the termite lifecycle so it can take weeks to notice a population decline and months for total colony elimination
• Limited use – Designed only for baiting so is only suitable where termites are already active

Chemical termite soil treatment

A chemical termite soil treatment involves applying a liquid termiticide to the soil  around the foundations of a structure to create a zone of treated soil that either kills or repels subterranean termites depending on the chemical chosen.

Advantages

• Versatile – Can be applied at any stage of a building’s life, from new builds to existing structures
• Transfer effect – Chemicals like Fipronil and Imidacloprid cannot be detected by termites so they will unknowingly travel through the treated zone and transport the active back to their colony
• Proactive treatment – Can be used as a preventative treatment to protect structures before termites are detected in the area
• Wide coverage – Can cover a large area in a short period of time

Disadvantages

• Maintenance required – Periodic reapplications are necessary
• Weather-sensitive – Weather conditions, flooding and soil movement can affect the chemical composition in the soil and reduce effectiveness

Physical termite barriers

Physical termite barriers include pipe collars and plastic sheets that are installed during the construction process to restrict entry points and prevent termites from accessing concealed areas around the structure. These products are often chemically treated with bifenthrin or deltamethrin to further deter termites.

Advantages

• Highly effective – Physically prevents subterranean termites from entering a structure and can force them out into the open where they can be more easily detected
• Low maintenance – Requires little to no upkeep once installed
• Long lifespan – Provides long-lasting protection for a structure

Disadvantages

• Timing – Only suitable for implementation during the building construction process or during major renovations
• Loses effectiveness – For physical barriers that are treated with a chemical, the active ingredient degrades and loses effectiveness over time

Termite reticulation system

Termite reticulation systems involve installing a network of underground pipes with weep holes that are designed to evenly distribute termiticides in the soil around a building’s foundation, forming a chemical soil treatment. The reticulation system contains access points for continued reapplication of the chemical.

Advantages

• Convenience – Simplifies the chemical reapplication process
• Continuous protection – Forms an ongoing protective chemical barrier around a structure
• Easy replenishment – Provides easy and direct access to the perimeter of a property, allowing for replenishment without having to drill through concrete

Disadvantages

• Timing – Best installed during the building’s construction or at least prior to landscaping and paving
• Maintenance required – Periodic replenishment of chemicals every 2-3 years is required. In addition if the reticulation system has been installed poorly then it can break over time and require replacement

Termite fumigation

Termite fumigation involves enclosing the affected property in a tent and releasing precise amounts of fumigant gas into the tent so that it can penetrate deep into the wood as well as hidden areas such as crawl spaces that are difficult to access.

Advantages

• Comprehensive solution – Reaches otherwise inaccessible areas and provides fast results especially when dealing with severe or widespread termite infestations
• Drywood termites – Effective against drywood termites which can be difficult to locate and access as they live entirely within the wood

Disadvantages

• Excessive – Method can be too extreme if only dealing with a small infestation
• Disruptive – Requires occupants to vacate the property for several days

Conclusion

Selecting the right termite treatment method is vital to safeguarding properties against an infestation. Understanding the unique advantages and drawbacks of each method allows you to match the right procedure to your situation to maintain effective control.

No matter if you implement termite baiting stations, physical or chemical treatments, reticulation systems or a combination of methods, staying vigilant and performing regular inspections is essential to keep your clients’ property protected.

Keep in mind that you can use a combination of different methods along with spot treatments of termite dust and foam for the best control. Contact the experts at your local Globe Pest Solutions branch for personalised recommendations.