WHITE ANTS (TERMITES) AND BUILDINGS 305 



As a further precaution the lower ends of the piles may be imbedded 

 in cement concrete blocks, so that each pile is insulated from the soil 

 to the extent of several inches by concrete all around and below, 

 besides which the concrete block should project several inches above 

 the ground surface. Similar precautions must be taken to insulate steps 

 leading to either verandahs or doors. 



Sometimes the lower ends of fencing posts, which are to be sunk 

 into the ground, are charred, but this precaution is futile against termites 

 unless the charred area extends well above ground level. 



A device which has been used in South Africa, consists of depositing 

 a fairly thick layer of cinders and ashes under the floors of the house 

 to be protected, and dressing the surface with tar. This artifice might 

 be employed, as an extra precaution, in connection with houses built 

 on the termite-resistant lines just discussed. 



Another palliative measure is the distribution of poisoned material 

 under the floors of the house to be treated. This material may consist 

 of pieces of old sacking moistened with arsenite of soda dissolved in 

 a small quantity of hot water, to which treacle or sugar is added. 



Treatment of Infested Timber. — For the treatment of partly eaten 

 timber such as flooring, skirting boards, etc., a solution of arsenic in 

 some mineral oil can be recommended. This forms the basis of many 

 preparations for the purpose on the market. 



The pouring into crevices, etc., in which termites may be doing damage, 

 of carbolic oil, benzine, paraffin oil, and various cattle dips, can be adopted 

 as a palliative measure ; a mixture of arsenic and syrup may be placed 

 in such galleries as can be exposed. 



Timber, used to replace that which has been removed because of 

 termite attack, should always be soaked, as already described, in a solution 

 of arsenite of soda in water. 



Much of the preceding information has been derived from a pamphlet 

 entitled " White Ants in Natal," by Mr. Claude Fuller, Assistant Chief 

 of the Entomological Division, and from other publications of that 

 Division. 



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