Chemical treatment zones are a method of treatment that is carried out after a dusting or foaming treatment has been completed or at other times when prior treatments are not possible or necessary. Subterranean termites make their galleries underground from the nest (possibly up to 50 metres away) to reach timber or other cellulose-based materials in a structure.
Termites also construct leads (shelter tubes) over vertical surfaces or in wall cavities to retain humidity and protect theselves from predators. By placing a long-life termiticide into the soil or fill, we can protect the areas that are vulnerable to subterranean termite attack and isolate the structure from termite galleries. This forms a zone that acts as a contact poison, killing any termite that comes in contact with the treated area. When the colony realises that workers (the food gatherers) are being destroyed it ceases to send them to that location.
Watch the video below to find out how chemical treatment zones protect your home from termites.
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What are the different chemical used in termite treatment zones?
There are currently three types of chemical termiticides available. These are Bifenthrin, Imidacloprid and Fipronil.
Bifenthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid (SP), which also contains solvents and emulsifiers. It has low odour and acts as a contact poison. It also has a repellency action. It spreads poorly in soil and because of this, drill holes in concrete must be spaced at 200 mm or less. There are a number of generic formulations. A newer version uses different chemistry and has no odour.
Imidacloprid is effective via stomach action and on contact, acting on the central nervous system of insects and works by interfering with the transmission of stimuli in the insect nervous system. It causes a blockage in the nicotinergic neuronal pathway which leads to the accumulation of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter in termites and other insencts, resulting in paralysis, and eventually death. It is effective on contact and via stomach action.
Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide that disrupts the termites central nervous system by blocking the passage of chloride ions through the GABA receptor and glutamate-gated chloride (GluCl) channels which are components of the central nervous system. Fipronil allows the poisoned termites time to return to the colony and the sharing of the treated cellulose material among colony members assists in the spreading of the poison throughout the colony.