6 Reasons Why You Need to Update Your Termite Barrier System

The life expectancy of any termite barrier system or treatment depends on its type, chemicals and materials used, and who installs it. Believe it or not, but termite barrier preparation is the key to a long-lasting termite barrier system.

How Long Does a Chemical Termite Barrier System Last?

Decades ago, homes were constructed with an “under-slab” termite barrier system. The chemicals used were cheap and only lasted up to a year as building firms wanted the certificated and were not concern about the chemical’s life expectancy,

Standard building practices dictated that when builders laid a slab, they need to install an under-slab barrier. However, builders called upon random pest companies who gave the cheapest quotes that only provided customers with a one-year warranty. These pest companies provided a quick spay before the slab was laid to satisfy the building regulations.

Thankfully, many have changed since then.

Improvements in termite prevention technology have seen the advanced formulation of high-quality products. Some products at full strength can cover an average house of 80 linear metres.

This means 800 litres of this product is needed to perform a perimeter termite barrier for most homes. This type of termite barrier system can last up to 8 years.

Effective Building & Consultancy considers the best product on the market, and while there may be cheaper options, they often have a shorter life expectancy.

10 years ago, the use of certain chemical brands followed a popularity trend. However, with the technological advancements in pest control techniques, education, research, and equipment, products have become more effective, more efficient, and less harmful to the environment.

In the early 2000s, legislation changed, and the building code stated that one couldn’t use a chemical treatment on a new house unless it were refillable. In other words, chemicals could be added over time to ensure it’s effective. This was an expensive option for builders, which led to the more suitable physical termite barrier system.

How Long Does a Physical Termite Barrier System Last?

A physical termite barrier system is a plastic barrier laid out around the house perimeter during construction against the brickwork. After 2001, the physical barriers are a compulsory part of the building code of practices and applies to all homes. 

These types of systems last for 20 years. This may sound too good to be true; however, what’s often misunderstood about physical barriers is they’re only a piece of plastic acting as a deterrent. 

The problem with this is that a small crack in the slab, and termites are in. A perimeter termite barrier type of products is designed to affect and eliminate the termite colony as these travel through the soil towards the home. 

Even if a physical termite barrier reduces the risk and is better than having no barrier at all, it’s still not as effective as a chemical barrier. This is because chemical barriers are designed to kill off the termites completely.

How Long Do Termite Bait Stations Last?

Termite bait stations are different from physical and chemical termite barriers as they’re made as early warning indicators. In other words, they’re placed around the yard that allows the homeowner to act before any risks are done to the home.

Unlike the barriers, termite bait stations need to be checked and replenished for at least a month. Once active termites are found, a bait using an insect growth regulator is added to remove the colony close to the home. 

Termite bait systems are an excellent way to protect your home but are usually only suited for homes on sloping sites.

A Longer Lifespan Doesn’t Mean Longer Efficiency

Some products on the market promise a longer life expectancy of about ten years. However, this is often misleading and inaccurate. 

For example, bifenthrin may have a longer life expectancy, but unlike termiticide, it acts as a repellent. Termites detect bifenthrin in the soil and will avoid it, making it useless. When this happens, termites will just work around the product and make their way to your home.

For this reason, Effective Building & Consultancy building and termite inspectors rely on the chemical termite barrier system because of its effectiveness. Termites can’t detect it and will pass through the chemical, return the product to the main nest, eliminating the colonies completely. This is the reason why the chemical termite barrier system is highly preferred in the industry.

How Much Do Termite Treatments Cost?

The termite treatment cost depends on the kind of termite barriers or termite baiting systems you will purchase. Each home is different; that’s why it’s important to book a consultation with our building and termite inspector to assess the home type and land layout so the right recommendation can be made.

How Can Effective Building & Consultancy Help You with Termite Barrier System?

If you are worried about termites and consider having a termite barrier system installed, call Effective Building & Consultancy at 02 9613 3353. We have a team of building and termite inspectors servicing Sydney and nearby town areas with more than 20 years of experience.

For more information about our building inspection services, visit our Help Centre.