India Termite Risk Map — IS 6313
About termite risk
Subterranean termites (Heterotermes indicola, Coptotermes heimi, C. gestroi) attack timber, paper, and even concrete cracks in tropical India. Pre-construction soil treatment + barriers per IS 6313 Part 2 are the standard preventive measures. Reactive treatment after infestation costs 5-10× more.
Treatment by zone
- Low: Optional. Soil treatment 0.5% chlorpyriphos. ~₹2/sqft.
- Moderate: Pre-construction at plinth + foundation. 1% chlorpyriphos. ₹3-5/sqft.
- High: Mandatory IS 6313 Part 2. Soil + sand barrier or stainless mesh. ₹5-7/sqft.
- Very High: Multi-layer — soil + treated timber + stainless mesh barriers. Annual inspection. ₹8-12/sqft.
Cross-references
Source IS / IRC / NBC standards
Related maps
Calculators & tools
Articles & guides
Frequently asked questions
Is anti-termite treatment mandatory?
Per IS 6313 Part 2, anti-termite treatment is mandatory for buildings in Moderate-to-Very-High zones (most of India outside Himalayas + arid west). NBC 2016 Part 9 also requires it for residential. State building bye-laws often make it a condition for occupancy certificate.
How much does anti-termite treatment cost?
Pre-construction soil treatment: ₹3-5/sqft (Moderate), ₹5-7/sqft (High), ₹8-12/sqft (Very High). Reactive treatment after infestation: ₹15-30/sqft. Lifetime warranty packages from major operators (Bayer, BASF) cost 2-3× standard treatment but include 10-year guarantees.
Which species is most damaging in India?
Coptotermes gestroi (Asian subterranean termite) — invasive, aggressive, attacks timber + paper + concrete cracks. Found in Kerala, Karnataka coast, NE India. Heterotermes indicola (Indian subterranean termite) — most widespread; standard tropical-India treatment targets this. Coptotermes heimi (Indian subterranean) — similar damage profile to indicola.
Risk classification is regional. Site conditions (mature trees, dampness, organic debris, foundation cracks) can elevate risk by one tier. Always include pre-construction termite treatment in BoQ for any zone above Low — added cost is small relative to remedial damage.