What factor could cause a termiticide barrier to degrade over time?

A termiticide barrier is a crucial aspect of preventing termite infestations, and its effectiveness can degrade due to various environmental factors. The correct choice identifies soil disturbance, erosion, or moisture changes as significant contributors to this degradation.

When the soil surrounding a treated area is disturbed—whether through construction activities, landscaping, or natural processes—this can disrupt the continuity of the termiticide barrier. Soil erosion can lead to the washing away of the chemical, reducing its efficacy. Additionally, moisture changes can affect the stability of the termiticide; for example, excessive moisture can dilute or leach the termiticide from the soil, while low moisture can lead to dry conditions that may alter the chemical's effectiveness.

Effective management of these environmental factors is vital for maintaining the integrity of the termiticide barrier. The other options, while they may have effects on termites or treatments in different contexts, do not directly relate to the degradation of a termiticide barrier in the same manner.