Pre-Construction Termite Treatment

Prevention is always wiser and less expensive no matter what pest you have to deal with, but this is especially true with termites. There is no absolute, 100% way to prevent termites from investing your home; however, pre-treating your property before the structure is built or before an addition is added can improve your chances of staying termite free.

With pre-treatment, the goal is to create a chemical barrier in the soil that will stop termites from surfacing and attacking the wood in your home. Pre-construction termite treatment is less expensive than treating an already existing home. Because the area is open, the treatment area is easier to access; and therefore, requires less labor and less termiticide (pesticide for termites) than what’s required for an existing structure treatment. With new construction, you should cover every inch of ground, creating a barrier that keeps termites from surfacing from the soil to your structure.

To properly pre-treat the soil for termite prevention, the treatment needs to be applied several times while your home is being constructed. This means that the person treating the foundation area has to work with the builder to accurately schedule the treatments.

Although a slab and crawl space are different, some of the same treatment methods are used. The following steps for pre-construction treatment can vary because building codes vary in different states, counties, and municipalities. Your soil type and home design are other factors that can lead to a different variation of how and when your chemical barrier is applied.

For a slab, the land is graded, batter boards are installed to form the foundation, and then footings are dug and poured. Once the footings are ready, a brick mason will build the foundation using brick or block over the footings. Then the foundation is backfilled with soil. A plumber lays the pipes, and then more backfill is added if needed. At this point the slab area is treated with the chemical barrier. Then a plastic vapor barrier is installed that keeps water from reaching the slab. Then your slab is poured.

Termites do not eat concrete nor do they bore through it; however, concrete slabs can crack exposing entry ways for termites. If you soil is left untreated, the cracks in the slab can become avenues for termites to enter your structure.

For a crawl space, footings and pillars are dug and the concrete is poured. Once the concrete is ready, trenches are dug around the footings and pillars. Then the treatment is applied to the soil as it is added back into the trench. Then the backfill is added to the interior of the foundation and that soil is treated. A plastic vapor barrier is added to your crawl space once your foundation is dried in.

After the final grading on the exterior of the slab or around the footings is complete, then this area is treated as well. Another treatment is recommended after your home is built and the final grading and landscaping is complete. For this treatment, you should apply a continuous spray around the structure to create a chemical barrier around the home. The barrier on the outside of the foundation should be at least 12 to 18 inches from the slab out into the yard.

After your home is built, you should continue to protect the barrier you have in place. You can do this by not disturbing the soil in the barrier area when adding or replacing landscaping plants around your home. Keep the soil intact in the 12 to 18 inch area surrounding your home.

If you build an addition to your home or add porches, decks, or any other structure to your home, the soil barrier should be extended beneath these areas and extended out into the yard 12 to 18 inches. If not, termites can surface and end up in the wood of your home through the new addition. You should also consider adding a soil barrier before building or placing a utility shed on your property as well.

Pre-treatment does require repeat visits to the building site; however, the method is still less expensive than treating an already existing structure. Once you have your chemical barrier in place, it will protect your home for years to come.