Termite Reticulation Systems In Melbourne : Tom's Pest Control

A termite reticulation system is a proactive approach to termite control and prevention. It consists of a network of underground pipes that are strategically installed around the perimeter of a property. These pipes are filled with a specially formulated termiticide, which is designed to repel and eliminate termites. The reticulation system allows for the even distribution of the termiticide, creating a barrier that protects the property from termite infestations.

A reticulated pipe, also known as a distribution pipe, is a key component of a termite reticulation system. It is a flexible, perforated pipe made of durable material, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The pipe is designed with evenly spaced holes or slots along its length, allowing for the controlled release of the termiticide into the surrounding soil. Reticulated pipes are laid underground, typically near the foundation of a building, to provide a continuous distribution of the termiticide.

Installing a termite reticulation system is best left to professional pest control experts like Tom’s Pest Control. Here is a general overview of the installation process:

• Site Assessment: A technician will inspect your property to determine the optimal placement of the reticulation system. They will identify vulnerable areas and assess the soil conditions.
• Trenching: Trenches will be dug around the perimeter of the property, typically near the foundation. These trenches will accommodate the reticulated pipes.
• Pipe Placement: The reticulated pipes will be carefully laid in the trenches, ensuring proper alignment and spacing. They will be connected to a centralized control unit.
• Termiticide Application: The termiticide will be added to the control unit, which will then distribute it evenly through the reticulated pipes.
• Backfilling: Once the pipes are in place and filled with termiticide, the trenches will be backfilled, covering the pipes with soil.
  It is crucial to hire a professional to install a termite reticulation system to ensure proper placement, termiticide distribution, and compliance with local regulations.

Refilling a termite reticulation system should be done periodically to maintain its effectiveness. It is recommended to have a professional, such as Tom’s Pest Control, handle the refilling process. Here are the general steps involved:

• Inspection: A technician will inspect the reticulation system to determine if a refill is necessary. They will check the termiticide levels and assess the overall condition of the system.
• Termiticide Mixing: The technician will prepare the termiticide mixture, following manufacturer guidelines and local regulations. They will ensure the correct concentration for maximum efficacy.
• Distribution: The termiticide will be added to the control unit, which will then distribute it through the reticulated pipes. The distribution process may involve specialized equipment to ensure even coverage.
• Documentation: The technician will maintain proper documentation of the refill, including the date, termiticide used, and any other relevant details. This helps track the maintenance schedule and ensures compliance.

Professional assistance is essential during the refill process to ensure the correct application of termiticide and to maintain the system’s integrity.

The cost of installing a termite reticulation system can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the property, the complexity of the installation, and local market conditions. It is recommended to contact Tom’s Pest Control for a comprehensive assessment and a detailed cost estimate tailored to your specific needs. A professional from Tom’s Pest Control will evaluate your property and provide you with an accurate cost estimate for installing a termite reticulation system. They will consider factors such as:

• Property Size: Larger properties may require more reticulation pipes and termiticide, resulting in higher installation costs.
  Accessibility: The ease of accessing the installation area can impact the labor and equipment required, potentially affecting the overall cost.
• Soil Conditions: If the soil on your property is challenging to work with, additional measures may be needed during the installation process, which can affect the cost.
• System Specifications: The specific type of reticulation system, brand, and components chosen will contribute to the overall cost. Higher-quality systems may have a higher upfront cost but can offer better long-term protection.

It’s important to keep in mind that while there is an initial investment in installing a termite reticulation system, it can help prevent costly termite damage in the long run. A professional consultation with Tom’s Pest Control will give you a clear understanding of the costs associated with installing a termite reticulation system tailored to your property.

The key to the suitability of any termiticide in a wet environment is the propensity to leach through a soil profile upon a wetting event. The main measure for ability to leach is the product’s water solubility. Termidor has very low water solubility and therefore will not leach through the soil. Termidor tightly binds to organic matter in soil, which also limits its movement. All of these physical and chemical characteristics contribute to Termidor remaining active in the treated zones close to the foundations of the structure for as long as the soil and foundations have not been compromised or the normal time span for degradation has elapsed.

This includes soils that have been located in flooded areas. As an example, whilst conducting long-term field trials throughout Australia, a Townsville site suffered a major flood which completely submerged the Termidor treated plots for a lengthy period. It can be seen from the graph below that there was no effect on the amount of Termidor present in the soil.

As stated above, Termidor binds strongly to the soil particles and will not leach through the soil profile. However, this is based on soil that is not saturated at the time of treatment. If the soil is saturated, the Termidor (and any other termiticide) will remain in the water phase with little chance to bind to organic matter in the soil profile. Therefore the soil needs time to dry out enough so that the soil profile is not in a saturated state. This drying time depends on the type of soil, site drainage and the weather conditions after the original wetting event. Your Accredited Termidor Applicator is in the best position to answer this question.

This depends on a number of factors. Your Accredited Termidor Applicator is in the best position to determine this via a thorough inspection and written report. As a guide, Termidor should be used to re-establish the treated zones when:

• Soil erosion next to foundations has removed protective termite treatment zones.
• Any rectification work has moved or removed treated soil.
• Flooding has brought new, untreated soil next to the foundation.
• Foundation elements have shifted/moved or soil subsidence has occurred and untreated soil now requires a Termidor treatment.
• Treatments with other more water soluble products are suspected to no longer be in place to protect the structure (from previous use of non-Termidor materials).
• Adjacent patios, driveways, concrete pathways, asphalt pads, etc have moved and exposed soil areas that can now be treated. Especially when repaired and previous soil is moved.
• Landscaping has been repaired, added, etc and the previously treated zones have been disturbed.
• Repairs to the structure (especially foundation repairs) leads to the presence of untreated zones.

After receiving the inspection and written report it can be a little confusing with an overload of information. It is important that you sit down and discuss the report with your Accredited Termidor Applicator to understand the recommendations (why they are important), agree on a plan to carry out the recommendations and review the success after implementing the recommendations. Following this advice is very important, as it will affect the quality of the treatment and may also affect any warranty given by the pest manager.

The termite threat in areas that have suffered excessive rain events may actually increase. Termites increase their population based on a number of factors including access to moisture and food sources. Obviously after heavy sustained rainfall, the soil will hold moisture for a long period of time which the termites will enjoy. Added to this is the increase in building timber and tree debris left behind after the water recedes.

Quite often this is buried in land fill or stacked in a pile which adds a new food source which can sustain a larger termite population. As a consequence, termite pressure will, in time, be more severe. Therefore it is imperative that an Accredited Termidor Applicator performs a thorough inspection of the site to assess the risk and provide recommendations to protect your home from future termite infestations. These should be conducted at least every 12 months into the future.

Over 400,000 homeowners for the past 18 years have been satisfied with Termidor protecting their homes, without a single product failure. That is why it comes with an eight-year warranty and is Australia’s number one trusted brand for termite control. Termidor’s Genuine Transfer Effect™ takes advantage of the social behaviors of termites living and feeding in large colonies where they are in constant contact.

When a single termite comes into contact with a Termidor treated zone, it will unknowingly transfer it back to the colony on its body, infecting termites that have not even been near the Termidor treated zone. This is the ‘Transfer Effect’ and a key reason why no other termiticide performs as well as Termidor.

Termites can’t detect Termidor due to its innovative, non-repellent technology, so they can pick up a lethal dose while foraging in treated areas. As a result, Termidor works quicker and more effectively than other inferior termite control options.

The crucial advantage Termidor has over many other products is that it doesn’t repel termites. Termites are able to detect the older chemicals in the soil and stay away from them. That means the termites remain active and unaffected, still exploring the area and potentially looking for ways into your home. Termites can’t detect the treated zone so, as they continue to forage through the soil and unknowingly come into contact with Termidor.

The Genuine Termidor Transfer Effect™

Because affected termites can’t detect Termidor, they carry it back to the nest on their bodies and pass it on to other termites, hence the devastating Genuine Termidor Transfer Effect. Termidor can control whole termite populations faster than any other treatment, but it is relatively slow-acting in individual termites. This means termites have ample time before dying to spread Termidor to their nest, and the entire colony.  The combination of Termidor being undetectable in the soil and its Transfer Effect mean no other termiticide performs as well as Termidor.

1. An Accredited Termidor Applicator will conduct a thorough inspection of your property – should termites be found, a treatment with Termidor Foam will be required to quickly stop activity within your home.
2. A trench will be dug around your home in preparation for the Termidor application.
3. Termidor will be applied to the soil as it is backfilled.
4. Holes are drilled through paths and concrete areas or concrete is cut away to gain access to the soil.
5. Pavers, if not concreted in, must be lifted, the soil treated underneath and the pavers re-laid.
6. Some soils, such as heavy clays, may be removed and replaced with a sandy loam before treatment.
7. A follow-up visit is recommended by your Accredited Termidor Applicator.
8. Ongoing inspections of your home and surrounds at least every 12 months, and more frequently in high risk situations, are recommended.