Any building structure is under threat because of termites. They secretly destroy wooden structures, floors, and even concrete structures resulting in expensive repair. Pre-construction anti termite treatment is the most effective way to safeguard your building or intended house against termites. The method provides a permanent precautionary barrier that prevents the entry of termites into a building and blocks entry to provide a long term shield.
What is Pre-Construction Anti-Termite Treatment?
Pre-construction anti-termite treatment is a soil treatment process carried out before the construction of a building is completed. It involves applying chemicals to the soil, building foundations, and junction points to prevent termites from entering the structure. This method is considered the most effective anti termite treatment in construction because it protects the building right from its base. The treatment follows specific guidelines under IS 6313 Part II and is performed up to the plinth level of the substructure.
Why is Anti-Termite Treatment Important in Construction?
- Prevents structural damages by termites..
- Not very expensive as compared to after construction treatments.
- Increases the performance and the service life of the structure.
- Minimizes attacks by termite on furniture, flooring and other materials.
When to Apply Pre-Construction Anti-Termite Treatment?
The treatment is applied before laying the foundation and flooring, after the trenches and pits are ready. It should be avoided during rain or when the soil is wet with rainwater or groundwater.
How Pre-Construction Termite Treatment Is Done?
The pre-construction anti-termite treatment procedure involves multiple stages of soil and structural treatment:
1. Foundation and Trench Treatment
- Apply anti termite soil treatment to the bottom and sides of the foundation trenches.
- Use an anti termite chemical for soil at a rate of 5 litres per sqm.
2. Plinth Filling and Substructure Treatment
- Treat the substructure area in contact with soil using chemicals at 7.5 litres per sqm.
- Injection depth: 450 mm, 150 mm away from the structure.
3. Flooring Area Treatment
Before laying the flooring, apply chemicals on the top surface of the consolidated earth inside plinth walls at 5 litres per sqm.
4. Junction of Wall and Floor
Drill holes at 150 mm intervals along walls and pour chemical emulsion at 7.5 litres per sqm to protect wall-floor joints.
5. External Perimeter and Expansion Joints
Treat the soil along the building’s perimeter and expansion joints to create a continuous chemical barrier.
Important: Once treated, the soil barrier should not be disturbed. If disturbed, re-treatment is necessary.
Chemicals Used in Anti-Termite Treatment
According to IS 8944, common chemicals include:
- Chlorpyrifos 20% EC @ 1% concentration in water.
- Imidacloprid 30.50% SC @ 0.075% concentration.
For brands like Bayer, follow the Bayer premise mixing ratio as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Anti-Termite Treatment for Foundation
Special attention is given to the foundation during construction:
- For RCC foundations: Treat soil up to 500 mm below ground level at 7.5 litres per sqm.
- For masonry walls and basements: Apply chemical at 5 litres per sqm on bottom surfaces and sides of excavations.
Cost Considerations and IS Standards
The rate per sqm of the anti termite treatment may differ according to the chemical applied and also the place. In most cases, the estimates are done depending on the area that is being treated. At all times, you will want to be compliant with:
- IS 6313 Part I: Constructional measures.
- IS 6313 Part II: Pre-construction anti-termite treatment.
- IS 6313 Part III: Existing buildings treatment.
Download the Procedure PDF
For detailed guidelines and IS code references, you can download the pre-construction anti-termite treatment procedure PDF from authorized sources or request it from your contractor.
Key Benefits of Pre-Construction Termite Treatment
- Serves as a lasting boundary to termites invasion.
- No more treatment follow-ups.
- Safe and approved by IS standards.
Final Thoughts
Termite treatment on pre-construction is an important process in protecting your construction. The failure to receive this treatment may result in serious destruction of the structure and excessive expenses later. Whenever using an outsider, use a certified person to ensure good practice and that the standards of IS are followed.
