Control techniques for termites can essentially be divided into two types:

Building design can reduce the chances of termite damage. Important strategies include reducing the amount of timber used in buildings, a properly designed concrete slab with edges exposed for inspection for termite activity, or provision for easy under-floor inspections of timber floors. Installation of a reticulated system under the concrete slab can also to allow chemical barriers to be applied and re-applied whenever necessary.

 

Many local building authorities require that preventative measures against termites be incorporated during the construction of new buildings. Published Standards outline theprocedures that must be followed to protect new and existing buildings in Australia. Since most termite-related damage to timber occurs from subterranean termites, preventative measures rely heavily on the establishment of barriers to stop the termites getting into the premises or timber from the underlying soil.

 

Currently, two types of barriers are used: