In which situation might a chemical barrier for termites be considered broken?

A chemical barrier for termites is designed to create a protective zone that prevents termite access to a structure. This barrier consists of chemicals applied to the soil, which termites are deterred by or cannot penetrate.

A significant factor that can compromise this barrier is when the soil is disturbed. When soil disturbances occur, such as during excavation, landscaping, or even natural events like burrowing animals, it can create gaps or disrupt the continuous coverage of the chemical barrier. These disruptions can allow termites direct access to the wood of the structure, effectively breaking the barrier and increasing the risk of an infestation.

While physical barriers can provide an alternative form of protection, they do not directly affect the effectiveness of a chemical barrier. Heavy rainfall can lead to chemical dilution, but it does not create a physical break. New construction could potentially create a new or additional set of barriers but does not directly act upon the existing chemical barrier. Therefore, soil disturbance is the clearest factor that can directly break a chemical barrier against termites.