Pre-construction

Pre-construction damage:

• Termites damage household articles like furniture, plywood, clothing, stationery, etc. by feeding on wood and other organic material having cellulose base
• Subterranean termites make nest in soil and workers search for wood by burrowing through the ground and making tunnels of mud
• They travel through masonry work, brick walls and conduits of the building to the source of food and cause damage to the property and belongings

Facts:

• Subterranean termite colony may survive for many years and a single colony may develop population containing millions of individuals, thus control is very important as the damage caused by them is huge
• Around 2761 species of termites in the world of which 350 species are found infesting wood in India

Common Indian species:

Subterranean termites

• Odontotermes spp (75-80%)
• Coptotermes spp.
• Heterotermes spp.
• Reticulitermes spp.
• Zootermopsis spp.
• Drywood termites
• Cryptotermes spp.
• Incisitermes spp.
• Marginitermes spp.

 

What is the solution to the problem?

• Treating the soil beneath the building and around foundations when it is still in the process of construction is a good way to prevent termite infestation.
• Pre-construction anti-termite treatment is attracting attention throughout the world.
• The soil in immediate contact with the foundation and floor structure of a building is treated with an insecticide which kills or repels termites thus forming a toxic barrier which is lethal to termite entry.
• Pre-construction anti-termite treatment is done in the early stages of construction so as to prevent termite infestation in the constructed building.

 

Role of Architects & Builders

Architects, Engineers, Contractors and builders who are responsible for the design and construction of such buildings would be doing a great service to their clients if they can help in making these buildings safe from termite attack

The steps involved in Pre-construction anti termite treatment:

• Inspection
• Site Preparation
• Rightful application

Important Points

• The pre-construction anti-termite treatment is effective only against subterranean termites and does not give any protection for dry-wood termites or other pests of wood.
• After completion of pre-construction anti-termite treatment, if there is any construction/ masonry work in the treated area, the chemical barrier may get disturbed. 
• In such a situation the concerned authority of the building should inform your Professional Pest Management company so that immediate measures are taken to restore the chemical barrier and ensure prevention of termite entry.
• If the customer see any evidence of termites after the treatment, they should report this to the concerned authorities or PMP

 

Do’s and Don’ts

• Each part of the area treated should receive the prescribed dose rate of pesticide for the treatment to be effective
• Barrier should be complete and continuous under the whole of the structure to be protected
• All foundations should be fully surrounded by and in close contact with the barrier or treated soil
• Do not allow personnel to enter the plots where the treatment is in progress
• Do not store pesticides in empty containers