Types of termite barrier systems

Types of Termite Barrier Systems Termite treatment zones are most important around common termite entry points, including where your home's foundation meets the soil and around openings where utilities enter your home. In these areas, physical termite barriers can force termites to build mud tubes, a common sign of their presence, in more visible locations.

Types of Mechanical Termite Barrier systems Physical barriers, such as stainless steel mesh, help reduce the number of termite entry points below ground. These barriers do not repel or kill termites. They simply help seal off areas of your home where termites are most likely to enter undetected.

Particulate barriers, which can be made of sand, granite or basalt, create a densely packed layer of materials under and around a home. If properly installed with the correct particle size, the pieces are too large for termites to move and leave gaps too small for termites to crawl between to reach the house.

Types of Chemical Treatment Zones A chemical termite treatment zone can either prevent termites from foraging near the home (repellent termiticide) or control termites and their colony foraging nearby (non-repellent termiticide).

Termite Barriers and Pests Termite control methods are designed to help reduce the likelihood of a termite infestation in your home. But termites are more than just nuisance pests; termites are very destructive insects.

By some estimates, termite treatment and repairs for termite damage in the U.S. total more than $5 billion annually. Homeowner's insurance typically does not cover termite damage. To protect your home, consider all means of termite prevention and control and schedule routine termite inspections from a trained professional.

Soil treatments with termiticide provide effective control of current and future colonies, when applied properly. To ensure the effectiveness of your treatment, ask your termite professional to explain what activities might affect the product’s concentration. For example, how would landscaping activities affect the protection and how long is the termiticide active?

Termite Barrier System Costs The cost of a termite barrier system depends on several factors, including •the type of barrier chosen (physical or chemical treatment and the materials used for each), •the size of the treatment area, •whether your home is pre- or post-construction and •signs of past or current termite infestations.

If you are building a new home, you should consult with a termite expert to understand all of your termite prevention options. There are a number of termite prevention products that can be built into a home that is under construction.

Whether your home is pre- or post-construction, your termite expert can help you understand the benefits, limitations and cost-effectiveness of different termite barriers. He or she can help you evaluate prevention and treatment approaches to determine which termite barrier systems will be most effective and appropriate for your home.