Physical Termite Barriers
If constructing a new home, or trying to protect an existing home against infestation, one of the most helpful things a homeowner can do is install physical termite barriers. Preventative termite treatments are important because termite damage is seldom covered by standard-issue homeowner's insurance.
Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite infestation. Subterranean termites build their colonies within soil beneath or around a structure, and emerge to feed on wood and other cellulose material. Physical termite barriers may be used to prevent such infestations.
Termite barriers traditionally come in two forms. They can be a swath of chemically treated soil; these are often called chemical barriers. Or, they can be a physical termite barrier, which is usually a layer of protection between the soil and the home. These are typically made out of foam, stainless steel mesh, stone, steel, timber, aluminum shielding, and other materials designed to make it difficult for termites to access the home. For protection from termites in the soil, a common system includes both a concrete slab underneath the house and a physical termite barrier. For additional protection, steel framed roofs can also be considered.
Physical termite barriers are designed to protect the foundation of a structure and help homeowners detect termite activity. While non-chemically treated physical termite barriers will not kill termites in the soil near your home, they should inhibit termites from gaining access to your home, and also potentially force termites into areas where they can be more easily detected. However, not all physical termite barriers are 100% effective, as termites can breach these preventative systems. Contact your local pest control professional to discuss termite prevention methods.
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