Types Of Termite Barriers

How Termite Barriers Work And Which One To Install

When protecting your home from termites, choosing the right preventative barrier is crucial.
There are two main types of termite barriers: physical and chemical.

Physical barriers are things you can touch that make it difficult for a termite to enter a home. 

Chemical barriers, on the other hand, involve applying termiticides into the soil around your home’s foundation. These chemicals repel or kill termites before they can reach your structure. 

Each type has its benefits and can be selected based on your specific needs, budget and environmental considerations.

Understanding the differences between termite barriers and what you should have at your home to offer the best protection for your property is crucial. This can only be done through a licensed termite pest controller.

Both physical and chemical barriers offer effective methods to keep termites at bay, ensuring the safety and longevity of your home.

Types of Physical Termite Barriers

Preconstruction termite barriers – Preconstruction termite barriers are installed during a building’s construction to prevent termites from entering the home and for new homes, by law they are required.
You can read more about Termite Risk Management (TMR) here. 

Preconstruction barriers for new homes will include Termite films like Greenzone Perimeter System. This is placed onto the foundation and the home is then built on top of it. 

While this is the minimum Australian standard for any new home or extension it is always highly recommended to either have a physical barrier or chemical barrier as well.

Termite Reticulation Systems

Termite Reticulation Systems – A termite reticulation system is a way to ensure your home is protected, however it needs to be installed at the time your home is being built. 

The pipes are laid in the soil and then the hardscapes like your driveway, pathways and outdoor living areas are constructed over the top of it.
The reticulation system has the pipes filled with termiticides. There are 3 levels of chemical protection we use and it varies based on budget, timeline and tenancy. The highest level of protection in Australian which we are accredited for and recommend is to use Termidor. It is the leading brand in Australia and you must be accredited to apply. 

A reticulation system is then refilled or topped up every 3-8 years with the owners choice of chemical.

Termite Baiting and Monitor Systems

We install and recommend Trelona which is also part of the Termidor Range.
Why we use Trelona is that it works in a two pronged approach.
It is a way to monitor termite activity at your property and termites are killed when they come into contact with it and it works the same as a termite baiting system.
It is also compatible to be used alongside a Termidor Chemical Soil Barrier or Termite Reticulation System. You can read why this is recommended here.

The Trelona® ATBS systems last for 3 years and it is very effective.

It can be used on it’s own and it this can be the perfect solution for families who are on a budget as it is typically one third of the price of a soil barrier system.

There are two types of bait and monitor:

• Active on Application (AoA) –  this allows pest controllers to provide year-round protection from installation. The unique Trelona ATBS station holds up to 248 grams of bait (which is usually Tasmanian Oak) and has been designed to encourage termite interception and quick feeding. 
• Active Monitoring System – these contain pre-loaded actives with 2 x 124 g bait cartridges per station. The difference is with monitoring systems a quarterly inspection is highly recommended.

Types of Chemical Termite Barriers

Chemical termite barriers involve various methods to protect your home by creating a treated zone around or within the structure. They include soil treatment termicides, termite monitoring systems and termite baiting systems.
These strategies provide strong defence against termite invasions.

Chemical termite barriers involve various methods to protect your home by creating a treated zone around or under the structure by using soil treatment termicides.
These strategies provide strong defence against termite invasions.

Soil Treatment Termicides

Soil treatment termicides are applied in the soil surrounding your home. This method creates a barrier that termites cannot cross without being exposed to the chemical.

How It’s Applied:

• Trenching: Digging a trench around the building’s perimeter.
• Drilling: Drilling holes into the ground or concrete slabs if necessary.
• Injecting: Injecting termicide into the soil – While we have multiple options, the highest graded protection in Australia is Termidor. As an accredited Termidor professional, we will always recommend Termidor HE.

It’s important to note that the method used will depend on the terrain of the home, the surrounds, and the environmental factors. 

Common Chemicals:

• Imidacloprid
• Bifenthrin
• Fipronil – This is the base of the product we use -Termidor

We use Fipronil based Termidor and it is highly effective when you understand the difference.
Termidor is not detected by termites as they travel through the treated soil, the chemical is transferred onto their bodies and when they travel back into their colony this termite and other termites it has come into contact with all perish.
Older style chemicals like Bifenthrin act like a repellent. Insects can detect and may try to avoid the area. It will only kill termites that come into direct contact or that are sprayed with it.
Imidacloprid is not detected by termites but it is a less effective and cost effective method. See the article here for effectiveness of Termidor vs Imidacloprid

So Pest Off Termite Treatments

It is crucial to consider the cost, type of system, and the effectiveness of the chosen products. Consulting with a qualified termite technician such as So Pest Off, will give you the most up to date information and systems for effective termite control.
Termite barriers and regular yearly regular termite inspections are key to maintaining a termite-free home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the costs, differences, and effectiveness of various termite barriers, along with expert recommendations for Australian homes.

How much is chemical soil treatment?

Depending on your specific home, terrain and environmental surroundings a chemical soil treatment can start from as low as $500 + GST but can be in the upwards of $5000 + GST. Don’t let these numbers scare you – the easiest way to know is to allow So Pest Off to do a free site inspection. Let’s take homes in the Upper Northern Beaches for example, as the homes are built generally on rocks and uneven surfaces the cost of treatment will be higher. If we take a look at homes in The Hills District which are generally built on flatter lands, the cost will be lower. Professional assessment is advised for an exact quote.

How much is a reticulation system refill?

This is completely dependant on the home owner and their budget. Reticulation system refills are charged at a per litre cost. Start as low as $1.30 + GST for a cost effective chemical, to $4 + GST for the highest grade such as Termidor.
The difference in chemicals is also their longevity – Termidor allows you up to 8 years before a refill is needed where as Bifrenthrin provides you up to 3 years protection. 

How much does installing a physical termite barrier typically cost?

Installing a physical termite barrier may start as low as $1500 + GST or as high as $3000 + GST. The price varies depending on the size of your home, tiles or concrete used, accessibility and terrain. 

Can existing homes be retrofitted with effective termite barriers?

Yes, existing homes can be retrofitted with both physical and chemical termite barriers. Chemical barriers are more common for retrofits since they do not require structural changes. Physical barriers can also be added but may involve more work.

How do termite barriers function when integrated into a concrete slab foundation?

When integrated into a concrete slab foundation, termite barriers act as a shield preventing termites from penetrating the building. Physical tape and mesh can be placed beneath the slab, while chemical barriers are applied around the slab’s perimeter.

Are there any specific termite barrier systems recommended for use in Australian homes?

In Australia, systems like Termidor are highly recommended for their effectiveness. Termidor is a low-toxicity chemical barrier that typically lasts around eight years and begins to eliminate termite colonies within 90 days of application.

Why do I need any termite protection?

Termites attack 1 in 3 homes in New South Wales with the Hills District and Blacktown Council having the highest attack rate due to their surrounding natures.
The cost of termite damage from the outside may seem small as it appears as cracked paint, or replacing some timber floor panels. From the inside once a licensed termite manager opens up walls, you can see the structural damage which could be up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.