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Termite Protection

Protection

Most Caribbean properties are at risk of termite infestation but there are preventive treatments property owners can put in place to ensure long term protection.

Monitoring

Termite monitoring involves the use of termite bait stations around the perimeter of your property to detect termite activity. Rentokil termite technicians check the stations regularly to monitor any changes in the bait levels which may indicate the presence of termites on the property. This method can be used at any stage of the building’s life and is particularly useful after an infestation has been treated to detect early signs of re-infestation.

Chemical Barriers

A chemical termite barrier involves applying a liquid chemical to the soil, either under concrete or around the entire perimeter of the building. This method can also be used at any stage of the building’s life.

A chemical barrier is suitable for most applications. Unlike physical termite barriers that have to be put in place while construction is taking place, a chemical barrier has the advantage that it can be applied at any time.

There are various types of chemical termite barriers -  some are designed to kill the termites while others are designed to deter them. The life expectancy of a chemical barrier ranges from five to ten years, depending on which product is used. Every termite infestation is different, so choosing the right type of chemical barrier is important. Rentokil’s experienced Termite Control Technicians undergo continuous training to help customers make the most informed decision for their properties.

Physical Barriers

Physical termite barriers are used when starting construction of a new building or an extension to an existing property. They are designed to stop termites from entering the structure where they are installed. It is important to note that physical termite barriers can only be used before the foundation of a property is cast.

For builders, Rentokil is the only supplier of pre-construction termite barriers that has national coverage. Our highly skilled and trained staff ensure your property is protected from termites with consistent service nationwide and a single point of contact for all your service needs. Find out how a partnership with Rentokil can benefit your projects.

Termifilm

Termifilm is a physical termite barrier that is applied before the foundation of a building is cast. The treatment consists of polyethylene film which is applied in ground to create a physical barrier between the soil and the structure of a property. The polyethylene film is pre-treated with permethrine 2.5%, a FCBA approved termiticide that kills termites on contact. Because the barrier is pre-treated, there is no risk of the termiticide leaching into the soil making Termifilm an eco-responsible choice. Termifilm has the added bonus of serving as a moisture barrier and comes with a ten-year warranty.

The process:

At Rentokil, we partner with builders to provide effective termite prevention solutions that deliver long-term protection. If you are interested in applying Termifilm to an upcoming project, we’d be happy to work with you to ensure seamless integration into your building plans.

  • Get in touch with our service representatives to schedule a site visit by one of our trained termite technicians.
  • The technician will assess the size of the foundation along with the building plans to determine the area for coverage and will prepare a quote.
  • Once the quote has been approved by the customer, our technicians will work with the project manager to determine the time frame for installation.
  • Termifilm is installed on site by our technicians and most installations require a maximum of 2 days for completion. There is no exposure to chemicals during the installation process and downtime is minimal.

If you have bought a property with a Rentokil physical termite barrier, you can rest assured that it has been installed by a qualified and experienced Rentokil Termite Control Technician. We guarantee termite prevention services as long as we are guarding your home with our comprehensive annual check-ups.

Learn more about this innovative pre-construction termite treatment here.

Reticulation Systems

A reticulation system is a network of underground pipes designed to distribute a termite control chemical evenly throughout a building’s foundations and around the building perimeter. Using precise control of the chemical application, this system allows reapplication of the chemical barrier giving continuous long-term protection against invasion by termites.

This method can be used prior to or after construction. Perimeter systems can be installed once the property is completed but before landscaping and paving begin. It is an effective solution if your already completed property has been assessed as high risk or if you are now beginning construction.

Rentokil’s reticulation systems are installed by qualified and experienced Rentokil Termite Control Technicians. Technicians visit the property regularly to monitor the system and chemical levels are topped up every three to five years to maintain the system’s effectiveness.

How to prevent termites

Because termites are so destructive, adopting a preventive approach offers long term benefits and significant cost savings. Here are a few steps you can take as a property owner to keep termites away:

  • Remove stored timber, debris and cellulose materials from under, in and around the property.  Any wood around your property will provide an attractive food source and nesting site for subterranean termites. It can also hide evidence of termites invading your home.
  • Repair leaking taps and pipes under or around your home – Moisture attracts subterranean termites.
  • Divert air conditioning overflows away from side of house.
  • Use only termite treated timber.
  • Don’t allow climbing plants - Climbing plants growing along the structure of your property provide termites with easy access. The roots of some plants can also penetrate the foundations of your property. Allow at least a 30cm clearance and avoid planting trees that are notorious for sending roots under slabs.
  • Remove dead trees or stumps - Dead trees and stumps are ideal sites for termites to nest in. Remove these or have them treated to reduce the risk to your property.
  • Ensure that termite shielding is not damaged or breached in any way - Metal strips or ant caps around the foundation of your home do not prevent termite entry but force termites out into the open where they can be detected with regular termite inspection.

Be aware: Building alterations or additions can alter or render ineffective previous termite protection. Adding a pergola, new awnings or veranda, concrete slab extensions, or even new plumbing can provide an entry route for termites into the property across the termite protection barrier that was previously applied.

Where a house is a concrete slab on ground construction, Trinidad & Tobago building codes state that you must leave a minimum of 75mm of slab edge exposed. Weep holes in between brickwork, found immediately above the slab, should also be left exposed. If you construct gardens, allow soil to be deposited above the edge of the slab, or above pavers over the slab face, otherwise termites can gain entry undetected into your property and breach the previously applied termite barriers.

Ensure all formwork timber is removed after construction. Termites can often attack formwork and use it to gain access into your home.

Your first step should be to arrange a thorough inspection of your property to confirm their presence.

Call 868-612-0047 to schedule a free assessment.

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Termite Inspection

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