Even the best of pressure preservative treatment chemicals are not going to entirely eliminate the possibility of termite infestations. No, the termites are probably not going to touch the pressure treated materials, but usually building owners are unwilling to invest in all pressure treated wood for their pole buildings.

So, what to do with the nasty things?

A product called Termidor, which is a very effective for subterranean termites, should be used. Termidor is a brand name under which BASF sells the product known as Fipronil. Termidor is used as a barrier treatment for termites. The product is used to apply a barrier to prevent termites from attacking structural wood. Termidor does not repel termites. Instead, termites enter the treated area and receive a lethal dose of the insecticide. Termites contaminated with the chemical can transfer the insecticide to other termites. Thus termites that never came in contact with the treated surface will die.

Dig a trench around the perimeter of your pole barn. Using a small shovel, remove the surrounding soil until you have created a trench approximately six inches deep and six inches wide.

Pour five gallons of water into a bucket. Add four fluid ounces Termidor Suspended Concentrate and mix well. Transfer the solution to the trench. Use one bucket of termite treatment for every 10 feet of trench. For example, for a pole building 20 feet long, two buckets of Termidor will need to be poured into the trench on this side.

Cover the trenches once they have been flooded with Termidor solution. Scoop the dirt back into the channel and gently pat down with the back of the shovel, pushing it into the termite treatment. This fresh soil should soak up any remaining Termidor. If there is no standing liquid once the trench is backfilled, add more Termidor solution to ensure complete coverage.

Treat any adjacent structures in a similar manner for the greatest overall effect. However, if the building rests on a concrete slab which lies against the foundation of the pole building, the solution needs to be applied beneath the concrete. Using a power drill and a ½ inch drill bit, drill holes 10 to 12 inches apart and approximately 4 inches away from the wall. To ensure the optimum absorption rate, use a bit at least 12 inches long.

Apply the Termidor in the same quantities as before, using one bucket of mixed solution for every 10 feet. Insert a large funnel into the holes and slowly decant the solution into the funnel, allowing adequate time for the treatment to be absorbed by the surrounding soil. Seal the holes with a cement patching kit or polyfill once the application is complete.

Termidor should only be used outdoors. It can take up to 90 days for Termidor to take full effect.

If dry wood termites are present inside the pole barn TIM-BOR® Professional Solution should be used. Two applications of a 10% liquid solution are normally required.  Apply TIM-BOR®  Professional  solutions  by  brush  or  spray  at the  rate  of  5  gallons  of  liquid  solution  per  1000  square  feet  of wood surface  area, thoroughly  wetting  wood  surface  area.

Keep these and all chemicals out of reach of children. They may be fatal if ingested or inhaled in sufficient quantities. Additionally, it is possible to absorb toxic amounts through the skin. When applying, wear a long sleeved shirt, full-length trousers, gloves, goggles and a protective face mask.