This guideline outlines the procedures for applying pre-construction chemical treatments to soil in order to prevent subterranean termite attacks on buildings. It describes the use of chemical barriers around foundations, retaining walls, and other susceptible zones during construction to ensure effective termite resistance. The standard is indispensable for professionals involved in termite-proof building design and pest management in India.
Overview
This guideline outlines the procedures for applying pre-construction chemical treatments to soil in order to prevent subterranean termite attacks on buildings. It describes the use of chemical barriers around foundations, retaining walls, and other susceptible zones during construction to ensure effective termite resistance. The standard is indispensable for professionals involved in termite-proof building design and pest management in India.
Audience
Contents
Structure
This section defines the scope of the standard, including terminology and the rounding off of test results as per IS 2:1960. It references related Indian Standards pertinent to timber preservation and termite control measures. Detailed signs of termite infestation such as drywood termite pellets and wood surface abnormalities are also described, establishing the foundation for termite detection and prevention practices.
A collection of essential Indian Standards related to timber preservation, pesticide formulations, and safety guidelines are listed here. These include codes for timber seasoning, dusting powders, emulsifiable concentrates, and pesticide poisoning first aid. Users are encouraged to consult these documents for comprehensive specifications and procedures.
This part clarifies key terms such as drywood termites and infestation signs like wood blistering and hollow sounds. It outlines treatment zones around the building—trenches, backfills, wall-floor junctions, plinth surfaces, external perimeters, and soil beneath aprons—providing a schematic for chemical application areas.
Guidelines for preparing the site before chemical application include scarifying soil to a minimum of 75 mm depth especially on heavy or sloping grounds, and removal of debris for ensuring uniform chemical distribution. For impermeable soils, drilling holes to aid emulsion penetration is recommended.
This section describes the types of chemicals used (emulsifiable concentrates like Chlorpyrifos and Lindane), storage and handling precautions, and application methods employing sprayers or watering cans. The standard application rate for treating excavation surfaces is specified as 5 liters per square meter.
Essential requirements for forming a continuous, uniform chemical barrier beneath the structure are detailed. Instructions include removal of debris, creation of soil channels at wall-floor junctions, drilling rod holes, and applying chemical emulsions at specified rates to ensure comprehensive termite protection.
The procedural steps for pre-construction soil treatment are explained, emphasizing early application, uniform distribution, and suitable site preparation such as scarification and moisture conditioning. Avoiding application during wet conditions to prevent dilution is also noted.
Instructions for treating masonry foundation trenches include applying chemical emulsion at 5 liters per square meter on excavation bottoms and sides, and 7.5 liters per square meter on vertical backfill surfaces after wall erection. Rodding soil at 150 mm centers and tamping are required to ensure penetration.
This segment covers treatment specifics for RCC foundations, recommending dense concrete mixes and starting chemical soil treatment 500 mm below ground level. Vertical soil surfaces in contact with RCC must be treated at 7.5 liters per square meter with rodding and tamping to maintain barrier integrity.
Guidelines for applying chemical emulsions on the top surface of plinth fillings and adjacent vertical backfill surfaces are provided. Procedures for drilling holes in impermeable surfaces and ensuring treatment extends throughout deep fills are included to prevent termite access.
Details on creating chemical barriers along the building's perimeter involve rodding soil at specified intervals and depths, applying chemical emulsions at 7.5 liters per square meter, and tamping soil back. Treatment beneath aprons before their construction with 5 liters per square meter emulsion is also described.
This section explains the application of chemical emulsion on consolidated earth prior to apron laying, including drilling holes in impermeable soil for emulsion penetration. Post-construction rodding and emulsion application on vertical soil surfaces are also discussed to ensure barrier continuity.
Procedures to chemically treat the soil retained by walls above floor level to block termite ingress through voids and cracks are outlined. The treatment must connect with the sub-structure chemical barrier, applying emulsion at 7.5 liters per square meter with rodding and tamping.
Instructions for loosening and treating soil surrounding pipes and conduits inside and outside foundation areas are given. Special attention is paid to pre-moistening sandy or porous soils to minimize chemical loss and ensure effective barrier formation.
Special chemical treatment measures for expansion joints at ground floor level are described, including soil treatment beneath the joints at 2 liters per linear meter and formation of channels at wall-floor junctions with specific application rates to maintain barrier continuity.
This annex provides comprehensive safety guidelines for handling toxic chemical emulsions, including proper storage, personal protective equipment, emergency procedures for skin or eye contamination, and fire prevention measures due to petroleum solvent content.
Frequently Asked
The standard recommends using water-based emulsions of Chlorpyrifos 20 EC and Lindane 20 EC, each with a 1.0% active ingredient concentration. These chemicals form a uniform, continuous soil barrier lethal and repellent to subterranean termites. Application is performed before foundation construction, with strict adherence to safety protocols to avoid contamination and exposure.
For masonry foundations, chemical treatment involves applying 5 liters per square meter on the bottom and sides of excavation up to 300 mm height before masonry construction. For RCC foundations, treatment starts 500 mm below ground level, focusing on vertical soil surfaces at 7.5 liters per square meter, leveraging the density of RCC to resist termite penetration. Retaining walls require treatment of the adjacent soil above floor level at 7.5 liters per square meter to ensure a continuous chemical barrier.
Site preparation includes thoroughly removing debris such as formwork and timber scraps, scarifying the soil surface to at least 75 mm depth especially on heavy or sloping soils, and using appropriate spraying equipment to achieve uniform chemical distribution. For impermeable soils, drilling holes aids in chemical absorption, ensuring effective termite control.
Due to the toxicity of chemicals like Chlorpyrifos and Lindane emulsions, they must be stored in clearly labelled, tightly sealed containers away from children and animals. Personal protective equipment such as gloves and clean clothing should be worn to prevent skin contact. In case of contamination, immediate washing and medical consultation are necessary. Fire hazards must be managed by avoiding open flames near solvents, and environmental precautions should be taken to prevent water source contamination.
Continuity is maintained by forming a complete and uniform chemical barrier beneath the entire structure, fully encasing foundations. At wall-floor junctions, a 30 mm by 30 mm channel is created with rod holes spaced at 150 mm intervals for soil agitation and emulsion application at 7.5 liters per square meter. The soil is tamped back carefully and the barrier is protected from disturbance; if disrupted, immediate restoration is necessary to preserve integrity.
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