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The termites are generally classified in to two types namely,
1. Dry wood termites
2. Sub-terranean termites
White ants termites are commonly found in the tropical and subtropical countries. These termites live in a colony and are very fast in eating wood and other cellulosic materials as food. These termites get food like textiles, woodwork, paper products, plastic insulation of wiring, etc., These termites live in dry wood in small colonies and sometime maintain no contact with the soil.
1. Dry wood termites
2. Sub-terranean termites
White ants termites are commonly found in the tropical and subtropical countries. These termites live in a colony and are very fast in eating wood and other cellulosic materials as food. These termites get food like textiles, woodwork, paper products, plastic insulation of wiring, etc., These termites live in dry wood in small colonies and sometime maintain no contact with the soil.
The subterranean termite are very common types of termites. They are the main source of nuisance to buildings in all most all parts of India. The subterranean termites live by always some connection with the soil. They enter from cracks or fissures of even 0.50mm thickness in concrete, masonry pipes, floor joints, conduits,etc.,
Termite Proofing (Termite Control):
The treatment given to a building in order to control or prevent the growth of the termite is known as termite-proofing.
Need for Proofing:
The termite-proofing treatment should invariably be given to all types of buildings during the construction stage. It is because of the fact that during the post -construction period, it is extremely difficult and costly to control the termite growth. Care should be taken to ensure that no bridge is formed between any part of the building and untreated soil. In order to reclaim land by utilising debis or filling material great care should be taken to ensure that debris are termite-free. Also care should be taken to ensure that building site is free from dead, old tree sumps, etc., The superstructure should be treated with suitable preservatives to make it proof. All the wooden members like door frames, stair cases,etc., should be set on flooring. They should not be through flooring to prevent ground soil contact.
Control Methods:
Generally, following two methods are adopted,
1. Chemical Treatment of Soil.
In order to provide an effective control of termite the soil insecticides are thoroughly mixed evenly spread in soil. Several patented insecticides like DDT, BHC, PCP have been generally used. However, chemicals like Aldrin 0.5%, Chlordane 1.0%, Dieldrin 0.5% and Heptachlor 0.5% by weight in oil solutions or as emulsion in water are found to be more successful. All these chemicals are chlorinated hydrocarbons and are insoluble in water. These chemicals are not leached away by water and these have proved to be quite effective as a chemical barrier between the building and ground. These are used in damaged protions of masonry, woodwork by injecting them under pressure in drilled holes.
2. Physical Structural Barriers.
Continous physical structural barriers in the form of concrete layer or metal layer may be provided at plinth level. These cement concrete layers should be 50 mm to 75 mm in thickness and should be preferably be kept at projecting about 50 mm to 75 mm internally and externally. Metal barriers comprising of non-corrodable metal sheets of copper or galvanised iron having a thickness of 0.80 mm when provided have in certain cases got damaged. Thus, these barriers have not proved to be very effective.
The above post-construction treatments are not low cost and simple. Hence, should be used only where skill is available.
