Trenching and Rodding Technique
Soil treatment methodology for creating continuous termiticide barriers by digging trenches and using treatment rods to inject deep into soil.
Detailed Overview
Termite soil barriers require complete continuous treatment around structures. Trenching: dig 6 inches wide, 6 inches deep along foundation. Insert treatment rod into trench bottom and inject termiticide while slowly withdrawing rod to treat full soil depth (to footing, typically 18-24 inches). Treat 10-12 inches apart creating overlapping treated zones. Apply labeled volume - typically 4 gallons per 10 linear feet per foot of depth. Replace soil in trench and treat backfill. Rod and treat under slabs: insert rod through foundation/slab junction or drill through slab, inject termiticide into soil beneath. Treatment rods critical: hollow steel rod with holes near tip allows subsurface injection. Technique: push rod to full depth, inject half the volume, withdraw halfway, inject remaining volume. This ensures even distribution throughout treated depth. Volume matters: under-dosing leaves gaps in barrier, over-dosing causes puddling and runoff. Calculate structure perimeter x depth x labeled rate to determine total volume needed. Barrier completeness essential - termites find and exploit untreated gaps. Interior trenching: trench along interior foundation in basements/crawlspaces. Under slabs: rod every 12 inches around interior perimeter. Around penetrations: rod and treat around all pipes, utilities entering foundation. Corners require extra attention - termites concentrate in corners.
When to Use
Required for comprehensive subterranean termite barrier treatments. Trench exterior perimeter, rod under slabs, treat interior perimeter in accessible areas. Follow label rates and patterns exactly.
Required Skill Level
Should only be performed by licensed pest management professionals
Benefits
- Creates complete continuous termite barrier
- Provides 5-10+ year protection
- Required for termite warranties
- Treats entire soil column to footing
- Industry standard termite treatment method
Limitations
- Labor-intensive for large structures
- Requires significant termiticide volume and cost
- Must avoid utilities when trenching/drilling
- Landscape disruption from trenching
- Completeness difficult to verify
- Requires licensed termite certification
Related Concepts
Other techniques that may be useful
Crack and Crevice Treatment
Pesticide application method that places insecticides directly into cracks, crevices, and voids where pests hide, minimizing exposure to people and pets.
HEPA Vacuuming
Non-chemical pest removal using High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners to physically remove pests, eggs, droppings, and allergens.
Steam Cleaning
Non-chemical pest control using high-temperature steam to kill pests, eggs, and larvae on contact.