Experience with low cost termite protection systems for houses built of load bearing earth brick walls carrying suspended timber floors

Currently commercially available termite barrier systems involving stainless steel mesh or graded particle stone dust are very successful in preventing the incursion of termites into earth buildings. They are, however, relatively expensive and therefore present a difficulty in terms of affordable housing. This paper will present a twenty year history of a careful inspection regime combined with white-washing of interior faces of sub floor walls to deal with preventing termite attack on a timber framed floor in a compressed earth block house. The white-wash seems to have a deterrent effect in itself perhaps due to its salt content, as well as making inspection for termite shelter tubes an easy process. The system, of course, relies on the occupant's knowledge of termite structures and commitment to the inspection program, but it manages to avoid the use of toxic chemicals to protect the structure from termite damage and so is in keeping with the environmentally sustainable goals of earth building.