A termite barrier provides a boundary that stops the migration of termites in your home or building. While you might be imagining a tiny wall that stops termite access, the format of this boundary varies depending on the type of barrier.
Some are indeed physical, but chemical and baiting stations are also used as termite barriers. The most effective ones are a combination of these elements and built into the construction of your home. So how long does a termite barrier last? Some last for months, others, over five decades, so we need to get more specific to answer this question.
Types of Termite Barriers and How Long They Last
Our termite specialists have compiled their knowledge of termite barriers and how long does a termite barrier last. In the piece, we’ll cover:
- What is a termite barrier?
- Physical termite barriers
- Chemical termite barriers
- Termite bait stations
- How long does a termite barrier last?
- How long does a physical termite barrier last?
- How long does a chemical termite barrier last?
- How long does a termite bait station last?
- How can you increase the lifespan of your termite barriers?
What is a termite barrier?
What comes to mind when you think of termites? For many, it’s the failing walls that are a breeze away from falling down, chewed away by the pests we call termites. Termites have become notorious for the slow damage they cause over time. This likely comes to mind because termites are hard for the human eye to see – they are about 4-6cm long and look like chubby white ants.
Termite barriers are a Victorian building requirement when constructing in termite-prone areas. Termite barriers come in three main forms: physical, chemical and termite bait stations. They each use their own type of deterrent to create an obstacle that termites can’t cross, so when placed in strategic locations, they restrict termites from entering your home and causing the damage they’re notorious for.
So what is a termite barrier, and how does a termite barrier work exactly? Let’s take a look.
Physical termite barriers
Physical termite barriers are the most well-known type, acting as a physical obstacle between your home and any potential termite entry points. Most often, physical barriers are made up of metal sheeting, concrete, sand or other materials that create an impenetrable barrier.
A physical termite barrier works with the construction elements of the building, designed to prevent termite entry. Termites need an entry point, so when these are concealed with a barrier, access is restricted. For example, when termites move up through a brick pier, they may hit a metal termite barrier, and move no further. When these are placed at the edge of construction, they cannot enter your home, and they also allow our termite control Melbourne experts to know exactly where to inspect to better control your premises.
Chemical termite barriers
Like how we use bug spray to keep mosquitoes away, chemical termite barriers act in a similar fashion. They involve termite specialists applying a chemical termiticide in the soil and foundations around your home. This type of barrier has the benefit of completely surrounding your home because it is easy to apply and takes up less space than physical barriers. The chemical in the solution repels and kills termites that come in contact with the barrier, virtually eliminating the risk of termite infestation for the lifespan of the barrier.
Termite bait stations
If you’ve ever applied cockroach bait stations, termite bait stations work similarly. These stations host a chemical that is designed to attract termites in the area and kill them. They can be placed around your home, in areas prone to infestation, to keep your property termite-free.
How long does a termite barrier last?
While termite barriers offer excellent protection from infestation, they’re only as effective as their intended lifespan. It’s important to be aware of when your termite barrier was installed and how long their recommended protection span is, so you’re not left with an ineffective barrier. Below, we outline how long a termite barrier will last in protecting your home and getting rid of termites for each common type.
How long does a physical termite barrier last?
As mentioned on how long does a termite barrier last, physical termite barriers can be made up of different materials depending on the location they’re placed. The lifespan of the physical barriers depends on which material is used, with many of the standard materials used lasting at least 30 years.
However, more modern approaches tackle termite control in the construction of a property. Termite membranes, for example, are thick polymer sheets that contain long-lasting insecticides, combining both physical and chemical barrier elements. These types of barriers are much more effective and are expected to last over 50 years with no maintenance required.
How long does a chemical termite barrier last?
The lifespan of chemical barriers depends on several factors that range from the weather conditions and climate of your area to the type of chemical used. These types of barriers have a much shorter lifespan because the movement of soil is inevitable as well as the chemical’s potency reduction overtime—anywhere between 3 and 5 years is a common lifecycle. If you use this approach, be sure to have it reapplied often to avoid infestation.
How long does a termite bait station last?
Baiting stations are less effective at taking a holistic approach to termite infestation, as they target specific hotspots for termites but not entire entry points. These types of barriers have a lot more variance than more permanent physical and chemical solutions, and they can last anywhere between a few months and several years. Again, if you are using a baiting station to protect your home, have them replaced or the chemical replenished often.
How can you increase the lifespan of your termite barriers?
Firstly, the best way to ensure you get the longest use out of your termite barriers is to ensure they’re installed correctly, in the optimal locations and that the right type is used for the respective locations. Poor installation, damage and corrosion to the barriers and nearby vegetation growth are common aspects that reduce the effectiveness and life of termite barriers. For methods to increase the life of your termite barrier, try the following:
- If you can, consider termite barrier installation alongside construction or renovations for maximum impact.
- Consult a professional to inspect for termite activity and damage so you can incorporate the most effective barrier and placement.
- Remove wood, branches and stumps near your building.
- Use both chemical and physical barriers around the perimeter.
- Keep vegetation around your barriers trimmed so that termites can’t use overgrowth as a bridge into your home.
Take a holistic and informed approach to termite barrier installation
Termites are like a slow death to the wooden materials in your home, slowly breaking down the structure and integrity of your property. What makes them even more dangerous is that they’re nearly impossible to spot until it’s too late and you find the termite damage they’ve caused.
Taking a comprehensive, compliant and informed approach to termite barriers and knowing how long does a termite barrier last will help you stay protected for many years to come. It’s an investment today that will save you unparalleled hassles and expenses to reprimand down the track.
Specialist Termite are the experts you can trust in providing a bespoke solution that perfectly suits and protects your building and stays ahead of a termite infestation. Our friendly termite team can provide you with helpful information on how long does a termite barrier last, just contact us today to arrange an inspection or for termite treatment services, you could even give us a call at 1300 695 949 for a no-obligation, free quote.
