Prevention of termite tubing on foam insulation materials

IRG/WP 24-11039

Q Wu, J Curole, J D Lloyd

Foam insulation products have been shown to be damaged by termites who can readily tunnel within it and use it as a conduit within structures. Different types of commercially available foam insulation were tested to see if they could support termite (Coptotermes formosanus, Shiraki) tunnelling on or within them and whether they could be used as a conduit to access a wood food source placed above it. It was found that the 3 main types of foam insulation readily supported termites and allowed tunnelling on or within them. One sample containing termiticide also allowed tunneling, whilst another commercially available product (BoraFoam) completely prevented termite activity. Un-protected foam was readily protected by an application of a polyglycol borate to the foam surface. It is recommended that when foam insulation is used in wall, crawlspace or slab applications in structures, termite resistant foam insulation is used in addition to treating the wood with a polyglycol borate prior to installation. When that is not available, the wood and foam should be treated with polyglycol borate. Specific product efficacy data should also be referenced.


Keywords: borate, control, damage, foam, Formosan, insulation, mitigate, poly-glycol, termite, tubing

Conference: 24-05-19/23 Knoxville, USA


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