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| Dr.
Minoru Tamashiro |
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Basaltic Termite Barrier, or BTB,
is a non-chemical, physical termite barrier developed
several years ago by Dr. Minoru
Tamashiro, and licensed by the University
of Hawaii. BTB is not construction or concrete sand,
but rather sieved basalt rock. Dr. Tamashiro found that
particles of a specific size, weight, shape, and hardness
could be compacted so as to create a barrier resistant to
termite penetration. Since BTB
is a physical barrier and not a chemical
barrier, it should last indefinitely, given proper
installation and maintenance. |
| The principle behind BTB is simple.
There are three basic requirements for a particulate
barrier to be effective. First, the granules must be
small enough to pack well so that there aren't any gaps
the termites can squeeze through. At the same time, the
granules must be big and heavy enough so that the
termites can't pick them up and move them. Third, the
granules must be too hard for the termites to chew. |
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Basaltic Termite Barrier works by physically
preventing termites from coming up from the ground and
making contact with the foundation or structure. It does
not kill the termites, but instead presents a roadblock. It is
like the termites hit a brick wall.
In Hawaii, BTB is currently produced and sold under a license
agreement between the University
of Hawaii and Ameron HC&D.
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Below is a demonstration of BTB's
effectiveness when properly installed. The foundation of the model
house on the left was laid on a four-inch thick layer of BTB. The
one on the right was laid on a four-inch thick layer of plain
concrete sand. In both cases, the BTB or concrete sand rested on a
bed of clay soil which was artificially infested with several
thousand Formosan termites.
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| BTB |
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| Non-BTB |
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Here is a brief article about Basaltic Termite Barrier at
the University of Hawaii Technology Licensing Group (TLG) website.
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