FAQs
Q. Do we have termites ( white ants) in our area?
All tropical countries have subterranean termites. They prefer to build their colonies or nests closer to your home or under your floor slabs, as they get best protection, moisture and food ( Timber/cellulose). Adult termites are called Christmas flies or ( Meru) can fly around in huge groups( swarm) and makes their nests around your building. They are first stage of the life cycle of termites.
Q. Can subterranean termites (white ants)cause huge damage or economical loss?
Mature subterranean termite colony has millions of worker termites that forage for food within your building. Asian Termite (Eg. Coptotermes) colony can destroy 5 tons of timber within one year.
Q. How can I prevent termites when I build my house/building?
You must consult a qualified pest control consultant( John Piper International can provide service of qualified consultants) at the design stage or the initial stages of building. Good consultant will carefully study the building design and advice the construction professionals (Architects/ Engineers etc) about mechanical interventions to prevent termite attacks. For chemical control, generally ‘Pre construction soil treatment’ is recommended for this stage.
Q. If my existing house/building is attacked by termites,what can I do?
If an existing building is attacked by termites, ’Post construction soil treatment’ or ‘Termite Baiting system’( Eg. X term) can give satisfactory results.
Q. How long a soil treatment will last under a building? What is the warranty period I get?
Approved modern chemical termiticides (Eg, Bifenthrin/ Fipronil etc) are fast degradable in soils specially in tropical countries and will last about 2-5 years under average conditions. Therefore, PCO companies will offer 2-5 year warranty periods.
Q. Can’t I get a longer protection for my building more than 10 years?
None of the modern approved chemical termiticides can last longer period due to their degradation. Therefore,these soil chemical barriers have to be replenished periodically ( approx. 3-5 year). A chemical recharging system ( Eg. Piperguard) has to be installed at the initial construction stage of the building . This system can renew the chemical barriers without breaking or damaging floors. Long persistent Organo -Chorine Termiticide (Eg. Aldrin / Dialdrin) were used for soil treatment in the past. However these termiticides were banned due to its environmental hazard.