Termites can cause significant damage to buildings by infiltrating from the soil beneath concrete slabs or flooring. To combat this, the pipe reticulation system has emerged as a revolutionary termite treatment designed to provide long-lasting protection right from the construction phase. This system involves installing a network of underground pipes that uniformly distribute anti-termite chemicals beneath the building’s foundation, creating a robust and durable barrier against termite invasion.
What Is the Pipe Reticulation System?
The pipe reticulation system consists of a grid of specially designed, flexible, and perforated pipes made of a rubberized membrane. These pipes are laid underground under the concrete slab or flooring before the construction is completed. Through these pipes, termite control chemicals are evenly introduced, ensuring that the entire area beneath the floor is treated effectively. This preemptive treatment is crucial in preventing termites from entering the building, either from the soil or from outside.
Installation and Working Principle
The installation of the reticulation system takes place at the plinth level, which is before the concrete slab or flooring is laid. The pipes—each 16 mm in diameter—are arranged in a grid pattern, spaced approximately every five feet, covering the internal periphery and center of the flooring area. The pipes have built-in emitters that allow the chemical termiticide to be released at a controlled and uniform rate.
To facilitate periodic refilling of the termiticide, the pipe network is connected to multiple junction boxes located along the external walls of the building. These refilling points are discreetly installed to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the building’s exterior and allow termite chemical injections to be performed from outside without disturbing the occupants.
Chemicals are pumped at low pressure through these junction points, which ensures an even spread throughout the porous pipes. This creates a continuous chemical barrier beneath the floor, effectively blocking termite pathways and denying access to the building’s structural elements.
Maintenance and Recharging
To maintain its effectiveness, the reticulation system requires recharging approximately every three to four years. The recommended volume of chemical for recharging is about 2.25 liters per square meter of the treated surface. Regular termite inspections are also advised as part of a comprehensive termite management strategy. The system is designed for a minimum service life of 35 years, providing long-term protection with relatively low maintenance.
Advantages Over Traditional Termite Treatments
The pipe reticulation system offers several significant benefits compared to conventional termite control methods:
- Non-invasive: No need for drilling holes or excavation under the floor, preserving the integrity of flooring and concrete slabs.
- Convenient: No requirement to move furniture or disrupt occupants during chemical application.
- Odorless: No pungent chemical smells within the living or working spaces.
- Safe: Eliminates direct exposure of insecticides to people inside the building.
- Durable warranty: Installation is warranted for 20 years, with refilling recommended every third year.
- Uniform chemical coverage: Ensures all areas under the floor receive adequate treatment, unlike patchy coverage from injections.
- Aesthetic preservation: No stains, discoloration, or damage to expensive flooring finishes.
- Cost-effective: Over time, recharge costs are much lower than repeated drilling and injecting treatments.
Conclusion
The pipe reticulation system represents a highly effective, durable, and convenient solution for termite prevention. By integrating this system during construction, homeowners and builders can establish a reliable chemical barrier that protects the structure for decades with minimal disruption and maintenance. This advanced termite control method not only safeguards buildings but also offers peace of mind through its innovative design and proven longevity.