Proactive Protection: All About Termite Barriers
Termites can quickly and easily cause thousands of dollars in damage to homes and businesses. You may not even know they're a problem until it's too late. In Australia and around the world, it's better to take preventative steps than to rectify the damage. Here are some steps you can take to prevent termite damage and potentially save yourself thousands of dollars.
Termite Barrier Benefits
Putting up a termite barrier is a proactive step that stops the termites from reaching your foundation. There are three main types of termite barriers available. However, you may want to enlist professional help to choose the best barrier for your situation.
Choosing and installing termite barriers without the help of a professional can be dangerous. The last thing you want is to inhale any chemical pesticides or have your termite barrier fail because you didn't install it properly. This is why it's a good idea to contact your local termite control company to help you.
Types of Termite Barriers
When it comes to termite barriers, there are three main types you want to consider. You can choose from chemical barriers, non-chemical barriers, or physical barriers like metal termite shields. When a company correctly installs them, they can work wonderfully to keep your home pest free.
Non-Chemical Barriers
Non-chemical barriers are physical barriers that stand between termites and your home. They prevent termites from coming close and damaging any wood or vulnerable areas in your home. Manufacturers usually fabricate this barrier out of PVC strips. PVC is a tough and durable plastic material that can last for years.
It is a good idea to install these when your home is in the building process. The PVC usually goes under any concrete slabs and inside your home's external walls. If it's finished, it'll be difficult to get this physical barrier in securely. This can lead to failure and termites getting into your home.
Chemical Barriers
Chemical barriers usually have a mix of chemicals including a termiticide that mixes with the soil around your home. This chemical goes all around your home to enclose it, creating a chemical barrier. Should termites get close and ingest these chemicals, they'll die. The termiticide also transfers from termite to termite and can even kill full colonies. They usually won't get a chance to do any damage to your home before the chemical takes effect.
This is a good choice if you've already built your home. A professional will come out and mix it in the soil around your home or structures, forming an effective barrier. However, you can also use termiticide soaked polymer sheeting if you are still building your home for a chemical protection barrier. You can also employ chemical bait traps to lure termites into contact with the chemical-ridden wood.
Metal Shields
A metal shield is a popular form of protection against termites with homeowners who don't want chemicals around their homes. These metal shields form a tightly woven mesh that goes inside your outer walls. It can also go under concrete slabs or around piping. It's a permanent and effective way to prevent termites from doing damage to your home.
Contractors will usually install this woven mesh material during the construction process. You can also choose to install it if your home is undergoing renovations or extensions. The termites will meet this metal mesh and stop before they get any further.
It's also a good idea to consider having regular inspections done of your home and the surrounding environment. Early inspections combined with these preventative steps can help to ensure that your home is safe from termites year round.
