Termite Baits vs Termite Barriers
Termite barriers may be the better option when the soil on a property allows for optimal dispersion of the termiticide.
But what happens when that is not the case? What happens when there are heavy clay soil deposits under concrete?
What if you get holes drilled all around your home and when injected with Termidor or other termiticide the spray just squirts out of the same holes?
The argument regarding termite barriers vs termite baits requires addressing several key points from a different perspective.
What happens when your pest control firm diligently drills through the concrete areas surrounding the perimeters of your home that you are trying to protect from termite attack and it is discovered that impermeable heavy clay soil is underneath?
Should the chemical be shooting straight back out of the holes? Of course it shouldn’t!
So what do you do if this is the case? A1’s termite pest control technicians will always inspect the soil clay content BEFORE installing a Termidor termite zone and give the home-owner lots of expert tailored options.
If you’re treating a home for termites and encounter heavy clay soil causing the spray to squirt out when injecting chemical through a drill hole in concrete, here are some steps you can take:
Adjust Injection Technique: Try adjusting the pressure or rate of injection. Sometimes, slower injection can help the chemical penetrate more effectively into the soil without squirting back out.
Use a Different Injection Method: Consider using a different injection tool or method that is more suitable for heavy clay soil.
There are specialized tools and techniques designed to handle different soil types and conditions.
See our termite injector silicone cone for obtaining high pressure injection into clay soils: 
Use Higher Concentration Chemicals: If permissible by the product label and regulations, you could use a higher concentration of the termite treatment chemical. This can sometimes help ensure that enough chemical remains in the soil even if some squirts out initially.
Increase Injection Depth: Try injecting the chemical deeper into the soil if possible. Deeper penetration can help ensure that the chemical stays within the treatment zone rather than squirting back out.
Allow Time for Absorption: After injection, allow some time for the chemical to be absorbed by the soil. This can prevent immediate runoff and increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
In some cases we will recommend that concrete be cut and heavy clay be removed. Friable soil with an organic mixture is then added to the trenches to be soaked to the Australian Standards and treated with Termidor.
Environmental Impact:
Some pest management firms claim that termite baiting systems are not significantly more environmentally friendly than chemical barriers due to the use of chemicals in baits.
However, they fail to acknowledge that chemical soil barriers also involve the use of pesticides (such as Termidor HE), which can have long-term impacts on soil health and local ecosystems.
Termite baiting systems, especially those using non-toxic baits, offer a more targeted approach with potentially lower overall environmental impact, especially when integrated with monitoring rather than active baiting.
Cost Considerations:
While some pest firms argue that chemical soil barriers are cheaper because of yearly termite inspections, they overlook that most pest services will insist on 3 or 6 monthly termite inspection costs as a condition of warranty. Especially if you have active termites.
Termite baiting systems can be more cost-effective over time if they successfully intercept termite activity before it reaches the structure.
They may be seen as a front line monitoring and termite colony management system.
Such a system could potentially prevent future costly damage repairs.
Moreover, the cost comparison assumes ideal conditions for chemical barriers and might not reflect all scenarios accurately.
Effectiveness and Flexibility:
The claim that chemical soil barriers provide superior protection oversimplifies the situation.
Termite behaviour can vary widely, and in some cases, termite baiting systems can be more effective, especially in environments where termites find chemical barriers easier to breach or circumvent.
Baiting systems also offer the advantage of early detection, which can lead to quicker intervention and mitigation.
Consumer Choice and Risk Management:
Some termite firms strongly recommend chemical soil barriers in almost all scenarios, citing protection and guarantees.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that consumer preferences vary, and some homeowners may prioritize minimizing chemical exposure around their homes, even if it means potentially higher costs or less certain protection.
Termite baiting systems provide an alternative that aligns with these preferences without compromising on the effectiveness of termite management.
Local Considerations:
Some articles focus on conditions specific to Northern Australia and Queensland environments, but may not fully address the diversity of situations across different regions.
Local factors such as soil type, construction methods, and termite species’ behaviour can significantly influence the effectiveness of termite management strategies.
Therefore, a blanket preference for chemical barriers may not be universally applicable.
In conclusion, while chemical soil barriers have their merits, dismissing termite baiting systems outright oversimplifies the decision-making process for homeowners.
Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and the optimal choice should be based on a thorough assessment of local conditions, environmental considerations, cost-benefit analysis, and homeowner preferences regarding chemical use and long-term maintenance.
Are you considering the different termite treatment options?
A1 Pest Control utilizes different options that are available and recommended depending on the type of termite infestation you might have.
These options fall into the two categories of “Baiting Systems” and “Termite Barriers”.
Our baits are manufactured by Bayer (Agenda), BASF (Trelona) and the termiticide that we use for our termite barriers is Termidor. This article will detail the advantages of both.
Agenda Baits
Agenda (Bayer) offers a variety of baiting options; A1 Pest Control employs their On-Ground and In-Ground baits.
Both options have their own advantages and each will suit a different scenario more aptly.
Our termite barriers versus termite baits research led us to use both systems together or independently, according to environmental conditions.
Advantages of On-Ground baits:
The premises for On-Ground baits being more effective is that the termite scouts that traverse the top of the ground (as opposed to tunnelling through the soil) cover much more ground in the same amount of time as a subterranean scout.
Which means that On-Ground stations are found much faster by termites than In-Ground stations are. These stations are also made effective through placement at areas which would intercept foraging termites.
Evidence shows that termite scouts instinctively prefer navigating along joints and edges which is useful as the on ground stations can be placed at these points.
Another advantage is that these stations are designed to be placed over large cracks through which termites often gain access to a home.
The On-Ground Stations:
- Requires minimal labour to install, no tools or equipment required
- Can be relocated if found ineffective at a certain point
- Minimal timber decay as opposed to stations that are buried
- Have a combination of timbers ( 2 x Tasmanian Oak and 2 x Radiata Pine)
- Consist of a UV stable plastic grey in colour which suits harsher Australian conditions and can blend in with buildings
- Can also be affixed with silicone, or a liquid nails glue as well as having the provision for screws or nails to be used
They can also be placed:
- Anywhere in the garden, dug into mulch or gravel
- Over any cracks which might facilitate termite travel (larger than 2mm)
- Near edges or joints
- Against walls and inside any outhouse, shed or building
Advantages of In-Ground baits:
In-Ground stations have been industry standard for over a decade and as such have been refined to their tried and trusted design.
These have an advantage over the On-Ground stations as these can be placed in areas that are grassed.
They also accommodate larger timber sizes than the On-Ground equivalent and feature a much lower profile for customers who want a bait system that isn’t very intrusive.
They also featured blanked off holes which can be opened to serve as indicators of termite activity inside the bait (as the termites will “mud up” these holes).
They also have the options of using a small yellow aerial which allows for easy
identification when a technician is conducting an inspection.
In Ground stations:
- Can be placed anywhere in the garden
- Makes use of a standard 150mm auger for easy installation
- Has “Blanked off holes” which serve as indicators of termite activity when they become mudded up/filled with mud
Placement:
Anywhere in the garden where they can be submerged in soil
Advantages of a Termidor Termite Barrier:
Termidor Termiticide is one of the most effective methods of protection against termite infestation.
The way the barrier functions incorporates a “Unique Transfer Affect™” that allows for the Termidor to be applied to the termites’ exterior and then carried back to the nest and spread throughout the colony.
It also has one of the fastest rates of termite elimination and provides long term residual control. Above all it is also completely safe and poses no threats in domestic or commercial situations as a non-toxic product;
it also doesn’t inhibit the development of any micro-organisms or earth worms and plants in the soil.
Termidor’s success is also owed to the fact that it is non-repellent which means that termites don’t avoid the barrier as with other treatments.
This means that they continue through the Termidor until a lethal dose is applied and often return the termiticide to the nest.
Warranty:
Termidor also has a whopping $2,000,000 warranty which gives any homeowner
peace of mind. This warranty covers structural damage where any insurance
company in Australia would refuse to assist in recovering termite damaged
items.
Application:
Termidor barriers are quite versatile in that they can be applied to the whole home and outbuildings or only certain areas where a client might request for a barrier set up.
As such the price is flexible and by incorporating a Thermal Termite inspection our clients are often afforded a large discount due to the accuracy with which we can apply a Termidor Barrier.
If you have any more questions regarding our termite prevention and treatment options then please give us a ring on 0417 251 911 or alternatively email the company owner bruce@a1pestcontrol.com.au and we’ll be more than happy to help with your termite issue.