In the past, pest repellents were sometimes used as a method of deterring termites from entering the home. The problem with old fashioned repellents is that they worked by repelling termites, but these clever pests will simply look for another point of entry instead! The other problem with repellents was that as the termites avoided them, they could not be used to transfer toxins back to the colony. This is where termite barriers come in, in that you can target termites without their knowing it, and win the war by outwitting them!

There are a number of termite barriers to help prevent termites from getting into your home. These can be physical barriers or chemical, and sometimes a mix of both may be advisable. In fact a strategy that involves chemical and physical termite barriers, a baiting system, and a bit of yard clean-up, may be the right prescription for eliminating termites from your place altogether.

Physical barriers

Physical termite barriers can be fitted when a new house is being built, or added on afterwards. Physical barriers are made from materials that a termite cannot eat it s way through, such as crushed rock or metal. They can be placed in various parts of the building such as wall cavities, in foundations and under concrete slabs.

Another way to create physical termite barriers is to seal up all holes in your roof and brickwork so that termites cannot find an entry spot. "Ant caps" may also be placed on top of stumps to push termites into an area where they can be more easily visibly detected.

Chemical barriers

Chemical termite barriers may also be placed under slabs or foundations as the house is being constructed. You can also use a chemical barrier in a remedial way, by placing it in the soil in an area where termites cannot avoid it. Chemical termite barriers should be undetectable to termites so that they carry it back to the nest and spread it throughout the colony.

Sometimes more than one strategy is required to deal with termites. While efficient chemical termite barriers may work well, a pest exterminator may sometimes recommend a baiting system also, to monitor termite movement. If you suspect termite activity on your property you should contact a professional pest exterminator for advice. Home owners in Sydney and the Hills District and surrounds can contact Bruce Gow on 0417 251 911 to arrange prompt inspection or termite treatment or for advice on eradicating other pests like cockroaches, rats, spiders and mice.