Termites live in the soil and reach a house through the gaps between floor and wall, through cracks and along services. Treating the soil before the floor goes down is the most complete protection, because afterwards that soil is sealed under concrete.
The Stages of Treatment
| Stage | What is treated |
|---|---|
| 1. Foundation trenches | Bottom and sides of excavations, before the PCC bed |
| 2. Backfill | Soil backfilled around footings and columns, layer by layer |
| 3. Plinth filling | Top surface of the compacted filling inside the plinth, before the floor base |
| 4. Wall–floor junction | Along the inside of walls at floor level |
| 5. External perimeter | Soil along the outside of the plinth after construction |
Timing matters: each stage must be treated just before it is covered. Once the floor base is cast, the soil beneath cannot be reached without drilling.
Who Should Do It?
A licensed pest control operator should apply a termiticide registered for pre-construction soil treatment, at the concentration and rate specified on the product label and in IS 6313 (Part 2). Ask for:
- The product name and registration.
- The dilution and application rate.
- A treatment certificate with dates and stages.
- Any warranty offered.
On-Site Precautions
- Do not treat when heavy rain is expected; it washes the chemical away.
- Keep the treated surface covered soon after, or lay the floor base promptly.
- Keep children, animals and water sources away during treatment.
- Do not disturb treated soil afterwards; if it is disturbed, re-treat.
Beyond Chemicals
Good construction helps too:
- A sound damp-proof course and plinth protection.
- No wood or organic debris buried in the plinth filling.
- Sealing gaps around pipes and conduits entering the house.
- Treated or termite-resistant timber for door frames, or steel and uPVC frames.
The Short Version
Treat the soil in stages, each just before it is covered, using a licensed operator and a registered product to IS 6313. It is one of the cheapest items in the budget and one of the hardest to add later.
