Can Heavy Rain Damage My Termite Barrier?

We've been having a lot of heavy rainfall recently around the Toowoomba area, thanks to La Niña.

La Niña is a period of wet weather which causes increased rainfall. Floods and heavy rain can cause increased termite activity for a number of reasons. Termites naturally prefer moist soil and their population increases during periods where soil is wet consistently for long periods of time.

Additionally, fallen trees and collected timber provide excellent food for termites, and flood waters often pile this debris near peoples' homes, drawing termites straight to them.

If you've done the right thing and already have a termite barrier in place, you might still have some concerns about how well it will work after the rain. This blog post will discuss why this might happen, how you can check and what to do if you're concerned about your termite barrier.

How chemical termite barriers work

Chemical termite barriers are chemicals that are injected into the soil surrounding a property which deters termites from entering and establishing a colony.

Heavy rain pushes a lot of water through the soil, so the key to maintaining protection in places where heavy rain happens is choosing a termite barrier product with low water solubility.

As we know that Queensland is a place where rain is common, we select low solubility products that will stay in place in the soil even after rain. Low solubility products bind with the soil and solidify, and are not rehydrated by water. If the soil has not been disturbed, then there is a low likelihood that the barrier is damaged.

If a high solubility barrier was used, then it can be rehydrated and washed away, leaving your defences down against the termites.

Signs the barrier may be compromised

If you notice any of the following, this can be a sign your barrier may be compromised and should be repaired.

• Soil has eroded around your home - pitting or holes are present
• New soil has been added due to floodwaters - washed up against the structure or into garden beds
• Landscaping has been done and treated soil has been disturbed - e.g. trees uprooted or excavation 
  

Essentially, if the soil around your home has been significantly disturbed, you'll want to have your treatment redone to avoid leaving a 'bridge' of untreated soil. These bridges might allow termites to access your structures and establish a colony, which is difficult and costly to treat compared to barrier repair.

If you're concerned about termite activity or your existing termite barrier, Keiran Mortimer Pest Control is here to help. We operate in Toowoomba and surrounding suburbs such as Highfields, Kleinton, Rangeville, Middle Ridge, Wilsonton, Centenary Heights, and Westbrook.

We use the highest quality products and have been in business for over 20 years, so you know we've seen it all and know what to do. We're on call 24/7 to help with any of your pest control needs, so get in touch anytime and rest assured knowing your property is protected by the best.