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1. Conference on: “Trends and Challenges of Civil Engineering in Today’s Transforming World”
1
29th March, 2014, Civil Engineering Department S.N.P.I.T. & R.C., Umrakh
ANTI-TERMITE TREATMENT: NEED OF CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRY
Nareshkumar Prajapati1, Ashish H. Makwana2, Jayeshkumar Pitroda3, Chetna M.
Vyas4
First Year Student, ME C.E. & M., BVM Engineering College, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India1
Final Year Student, ME C.E. & M., BVM Engineering College, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India 2
Assistant professor, Civil Engineering Dept., BVM Engineering College, Vallabh Vidyanagar,
Gujarat, India 3
Assistant professor, Civil Engineering Dept., A.D.Patel Institute of Technology, New Vallabh
Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India 4
Abstract: Termites popularly known as white ants cause considerable damage to wood works,
furnishing etc. of buildings. The Latin name Isoptera means "equal wing" and refers to the
fact that the front set of wings on a reproductive termite is similar in size and shape to the hind
set. Termites are social and can form large nests or colonies, consisting of very different
looking individuals (castes). There are more than 2,500 different types of termites in the world.
In some country the loss caused due to termites is estimated to be as high as 10% of the capital
outlay of the building. Anti-termite treatment is therefore necessary so that damages are either
reduced or stopped together. Through regular inspections, a termite specialist can help
identify common hot spots for activity and warning signs for a termite infestation, plus share
tips to help keep termites at bay. Termites can fit through cracks as thin as an average business
card (1/32 inch) so proper maintenance is crucial to seal up any gaps around the foundation
and roof/eaves. To identify the termite and its uniqueness, the life cycle of termite is necessary
to understand. Anti- termites are used to combat the problem. There are combinations of
methods depending on what sort of damage is done by the termites. The treatment has to be
implemented at the time of construction for effective and permanent solution.
Keywords: Life cycle, Termites, Types, Treatment
I. INTRODUCTION
Termites are one of the rare insect species that live in colonies consisting of an equal
number of males and females, even in the soldier caste.
Approximately 2,300 species of termites are known to exist on earth.

2. Conference on: “Trends and Challenges of Civil Engineering in Today’s Transforming World”
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29th March, 2014, Civil Engineering Department S.N.P.I.T. & R.C., Umrakh
While a serious threat to wooden structures, termites are also beneficial. Their ability to
digest cellulose helps these insects recycle the nutrient base of the planet.
Termites have existed for approximately 250 million years.
In recorded history, termites have never developed resistance to any type of pesticide.
Termites' survival is due in part to the queen’s “royal taster system,” in which the colony’s
workers taste and process all food before it is fed to the queen.
Termite workers and soldiers are blind, which means they rely on their sense of touch and
chemical signals to help them locate food, moisture and shelter.
Termites are often called the silent destroyer because they may be secretly hiding and
thriving in your basement or attic without any immediate signs of damage.
While each termite species thrives in different climates and eats different types of food, all
termites require four things to survive – food, moisture, shelter and optimal temperature.
Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide these ideal
conditions for termite infestation.
Figure 1: Termite
Source: https://www.google.co.in/#q=Termite+images

3. Conference on: “Trends and Challenges of Civil Engineering in Today’s Transforming World”
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29th March, 2014, Civil Engineering Department S.N.P.I.T. & R.C., Umrakh
II. LIFE CYCLE
Most termite species swarm in late summer or fall, although spring swarms are not
uncommon for subterranean and dry wood termites. New kings and queens are winged during
their early adult life but lose their wings after dispersing from their original colony. An
infestation begins when a mated pair finds a suitable nesting site near or in wood and constructs
a small chamber, which they enter and seal. Soon afterward, the female begins egg laying, and
both the king and queen feed the young on pre-digested food until they are able to feed
themselves. Most species of termites have microscopic, one-celled animals called protozoa
within their intestines that help in converting wood (cellulose) into food for the colony.
Figure 2: Termite Life Cycle
Source: www.gujaratpest.com
Once workers and nymphs are produced, the king and queen are fed by the workers and
cease feeding on wood. Termites go through incomplete metamorphosis with egg, nymph, and
adult stages. Nymphs resemble adults but are smaller and are the most numerous stages in the
colony. They also groom and feed one another and other colony members.

4. Conference on: “Trends and Challenges of Civil Engineering in Today’s Transforming World”
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29th March, 2014, Civil Engineering Department S.N.P.I.T. & R.C., Umrakh
III. TYPES OF TERIMTES
Figure 3: Types of Termites
Source: https://www.google.co.in/#q=Termite+types+images
IV.LOCATIONS OF TERMITE
Termites need food (cellulose such as wood), moisture and warmth to survive. Wood
building materials in and around homes - from the basement to the crawl space to the attic -
can provide the ideal food source for these wood-destroying insects.
Common construction conditions around homes, including areas of insufficient grading
that allow puddles to form near the foundation and air conditioning units that create run-off
moisture, can offer sufficient moisture for termite colonies.
Figure 4: Locations of Termite
Source: http://www.termites101.org

5. Conference on: “Trends and Challenges of Civil Engineering in Today’s Transforming World”
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29th March, 2014, Civil Engineering Department S.N.P.I.T. & R.C., Umrakh
V. ALARM FOR TERMITE ATTACK
Because termites either live inside wood or underneath the ground, it can be very
difficult for homeowners to see the wood-eating insects. However, termites often leave
behind clues that they’re feasting on your home.
Here are a few of the most common signs of termite infestations:
Subterranean Termites: Wood
Damage
Discarded Wings Termite Swarmers
Subterranean termites damage
wood according to a distinctive
pattern. These cellulose-loving
insects can leave nothing behind
but the wood grain.
Subterranean termite damage may
be hidden inside the walls of a
home since this species destroys
wood from the inside out.
Termite swarms may take place
inside or outside of a home as
mature termites leave the nest to
start new colonies. Soon after
swarmers take flight, they shed
their wings. You may find small
piles of wings in spider webs and
on surfaces around your home’s
foundation, like window sills.
Swarmers from mature colonies
typically leave the nest at one of
two times per year - during the
spring or during the fall. The exact
timing of the swarms varies based
on the species and weather
conditions. Swarms on the exterior
of a home may be missed by
homeowners, as they are typically
a brief event during the morning or
afternoon – a time when many
people are not at home. Formosan
termites also can swarm at dusk.
Mud Tubes Termite Mounds Termite Droppings
Subterranean termites build mud
tubes (also known as shelter tubes)
to serve as bridges between their
colony and the wood they
consume. These tubes are made of
tiny pieces of soil, wood and
debris, and are used to protect the
colony from predators and
conserve moisture.
While termites in the United States
cause billions of dollars in damage
every year, no North American
termite species is known to build
mounds. Termites that construct
their colonies above ground live
primarily in Africa and Australia.
After consuming wood, drywood
termites often leave behind frass or
droppings. These tiny fecal
mounds often indicate a nearby
termite infestation.

6. Conference on: “Trends and Challenges of Civil Engineering in Today’s Transforming World”
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29th March, 2014, Civil Engineering Department S.N.P.I.T. & R.C., Umrakh
VI.ANTI-TERMITE TREATMENT
Although many people think termites have only negative impacts, in nature they make
many positive contributions to the world's ecosystems. But they become a problem when they
consume structural lumber. Each year thousands of housing units in the world are damaged by
termites. Termites also damage utility poles and other wooden structures. Thus preventive
measures are taken against this pest, which is known as Anti-Termite Treatment.
VII. TYPES OF ANTI-TERMITE
VIII. PRE-CONSTRUCTION TREATMENT
Site Preparation Soil Treatment Structural Barriers
This operation consists of removal
of stumps, roots, logs, waste wood
and other fibrous matter from the
soil at the construction site. This is
essential since the termites thrive
on these materials. If termite
mounds are detected, these should
be destructed by use of insecticide
solution, consisting of any one
like, DDT, BHC, Aldrin,
Heptachlor, Chlordane, etc. Four
litres of the emulsion in water of
above chemicals is required per
The best and only reliable method
to protect building against termites
is to apply a chemical treatment to
the soil at the time of construction
of the building. This should be done
in such a way that a complete
chemical barrier is created between
the ground from where the termites
come and damage the wood work in
the building.
Continuous impenetrable physical
structural barriers may be provided
continuously at plinth level to
prevent entry to termites through
walls. These barriers may be in the
form of concrete layer or metal
layer. Cement concrete layer may
be 5 to 7.5 cm thick. It is preferable
to keep layer projecting about 5 to
7.5 cm internally and externally.
Metal barrier may consist of non-
corrodible sheets of copper or
galvanised iron, of 0.8 mm thick.
Types of Anti-
Termite
Treatment
Pre-construction
Treatment
Site Preparation Soil Treatment Structural Barriers
Post-construction
Treatment

7. Conference on: “Trends and Challenges of Civil Engineering in Today’s Transforming World”
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29th March, 2014, Civil Engineering Department S.N.P.I.T. & R.C., Umrakh
cubic metre of volume of mound.
Holes are made in the mound at
several places by use of crow-bar
and the insecticide emulsion is
poured in these holes.
These sheets are likely to be
damaged; in that case, they
become ineffective against termite
movement.
IX.POST-CONSTRUCTION TREATMENT
It is a maintenance treatment for those buildings which are already under attack of termites. Termites, even
after entering the building, maintain their contact with their nest or colony in the ground, through shelter tubes
or tunnels lined with soil. This fact is well utilised in the anti-termite treatment. It is essential to carry out
inspection to estimate the magnitude of spread of termites in the building, and to detect the points of entry of
termites in the building. Wherever these shelter tubes are detected, these should be destroyed after injecting
anti-termite emulsion through these. If the attack is severe, the soil around the building, and soil under the floor
may be injected with anti-termite emulsion. This treatment may be applied upto a depth of 30 cm below ground
level. To prevent the entry of termites through voids in masonry, 12 mm dia. Holes are drilled at 30 cm c/c at
downward angle of 45 from both the sides of walls at plinth level and chemical emulsion is pumped into these
under pressure. These holes are then sealed.
X. CONCLUSION
 In today’s world of advanced techniques the structures are required to be of having great
life thus producing more impact on economy. Older structures are not mostly having any
resistance to the termites, so they are too treated properly by post-construction treatment.
But this is the era of advanced construction technology and thus each structure should be
treated before construction has been completed. Prevention is always better than cure.
REFERENCES
[1] Building Construction by Dr. B.C. Punmia, Ashok Kumar Jain, Arun Kumar Jain
[2] IS 6313 (Part 1) :1981 CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ANTI-TERMITEMEASURES IN BUILDINGS
[3] IS 6313 (Part 2) :2001 CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ANTI-TERMITEMEASURES IN BUILDINGS
[4] www.termites101.org
[5] www.google.com
[6] www.gujaratpest.com
[7] www.ipm.ucdavis.edu
[8] www.pestworld.org
[9] www.wikipedia.com