Anti-termite Treatment In Construction

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What Is Anti-termite Treatment?

Anti-termite treatment is a chemical process applied to soil, wood, masonry, or any structure to protect against termites.

These termites improve the water content, porosity, and soil pH by recycling the dead particles, contributing more to the environment.

At the same time, these termites are harmful to human-made structures like buildings, Underground cables, Untreated timbers, etc. So, to avoid this incoming harm, anti-termite treatment is done.

How Anti-termite Treatment Is Useful

Generally, termites enter the structure through the underground.

• Anti-termite treatment helps to protect concrete structural integrity, which is likely to be damaged by termites.

• Wooden treated with this chemical process can prevent termites from eating wooden particles and avoid making wooden porous.

• This chemical treatment is a one-time investment that can save future extensive rehabilitation and repair works.

Termite Entry Points

Below mentioned are the entry points from where termites tend to enter the structure.

From floor expansion joints
Floor surface
From construction joints
Gaps formed in the walls and floors

Anti-Termite Treatment Procedure

Anti-termite treatment is classified into two types, as follows;

Pre – Construction Anti-termite treatment
Post- Construction Anti-termite treatment

1. Pre-Construction Anti-termite Treatment Procedure

Application of chemical treatment to the soil layer, which is in contact with the foundation and floor structure to kill or prevent the termite’s entry, is known as pre-construction anti-termite treatment.

Anti-termite chemical is applied on the top and sides of the foundation, which prevents the entry of termites from all the sides, keeping the foundation safe.

Material Requirements

Anti-Termite Chemical – Chlorpyrifos 20% EC or Lindane 20 EC (As per IS 6313 Part-3)
Earth driller machine,
Sprayer machine,
Measuring Cane around 20 liters,

Procedure:

1. Clean the application area and leave it to dry.

2. Now prepare an emulsion by adding 1 part of chlorpyrifos 20%EC with 19 parts of clean water.

3. Now, apply this emulsion on the sides and bottom surfaces of the excavated foundation trenches and pits up to a height of 30 cm at a rate of 5 liters per sqm area surface.

4. In the case of flooring, clean the area thoroughly from any wooden or other garbage particles.

5. The surface must be leveled to indeed required elevation.

6. With the help of an earth driller machine, holes of 30 cm deep are drilled at an interval of 15cm.

7. Fill these holes by pouring the emulsion with pouring jars or spraying on the surface using the sprayers and pressure pumps.

8. Now let the chemical get soaked through holes thoroughly.

2. Post-Construction Anti-termite Treatment Procedure

1. This chemical treatment is done after the construction of a structure.

2. Before proceeding with anti-termite treatment, we should inspect the building to take note of the damage it caused.

3. Then, determine the termites’ routes of entry.

4. Now destroy or remove the termite’s route of entry by treating it with anti-termite chemicals. Entry points can be ceilings, conduits, switchboards, and walls, etc.

5. After treating, seal those entries properly.

Treatment Around Foundation Trench

1. We must treat the soil in contact with structure with anti-termite chemicals to prevent the entry of termites.

2. At first, excavate a shallow channel alongside to external wall.

3. The shallow channel must be capable of running 1.75liters per running meter.

4. Then make several holes with the help of a 12mm mild steel rod, at an interval of 150mm.

5. Then pour the emulsions into the holes to a depth of 300mm.

Treatment On Voids In Masonry Structure

1. Voids in the masonry structure are one of the main termite entry points. Therefore we must treat it to avoid further structural damage.

2. At first, we should drill holes at an angle of 45 degrees downwards at plinth level on both sides of the wall. Then apply the chemical emulsions at 300 mm intervals at a rate of one liter per hole.

3. We must drill the holes at critical joints such as doors, windows frames, and wall joints.

Precautions During Treatment

1. Treatment must be carried out by a professional, and the procedure must comply with local municipal rules and regulations.

2. We must use essential Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, etc.

3. We should avoid the treatment during rain or when the surface is wet.

4. Must treat all the areas with equal dosage.

5. We should take specific measures before applying treatment to the structures near waterways.

6. These chemicals are highly poisonous and hazardous, must be used only by professionals.

7. These chemicals must be clearly labeled and stored away from children and animals.

8. We should take precautions to prevent skin contact with the concentrate as these chemicals can lead to severe health issues.

Advantages of Anti-termite Treatment

1. Anti-termite treatment helps in protecting the structure from rodents, termites, and pests.

2. This chemical treatment has more durability, which can protect the structure for several years.

3. It blocks the entry points of termites, thus keeping the structure in good condition.

4. The application of liquid termiticides costs significantly less when compared to other termite treatments.

Disadvantages of Anti-termite Treatment

1. Drilling at termites’ entry points can lead to reducing the structure strength.

2. Applying anti-termite treatment to structure nearby waterways can lead to water contamination.

3. We must seal off the termite points. Failing to do so may result in future problems.

4. A certified agency or a professional must execute the anti-termite treatment procedure as per Indian Standards as mentioned below.

IS Code	Descriptions
IS 4015(Part-1&2)	Guide for handling pesticides Poisoning.
IS 6313 (Part-1)	Code of practice for anti-termite treatment in buildings construction measures
IS 6313 (Part-2)	Code of practice for anti-termite treatment in buildings (pre-construction measures)
IS 8944	Code of practices for Chlorpyrifos emulsion concentrates.
IS 632	Specification for lindane chemical.

Anti-Termite Chemicals

As per Indian Standard (IS) codes, any of the below-given chemicals can be used for anti-termite treatment.

Chemical	Concentration by Weight
DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)	5%
BHC (Benzene Hexachloride)	0.5%
Aldrin	0.25%
Heptachlor	0.25%
Chlordane	0.5%
Chlorpyrifos 20% EC	1%
Lindane 20% EC	1%