Treating termites prior to construction breaking ground can help protect your home against termites and future claims. In fact, several projects’ construction specifications necessitate protection for termites in their finishing because termites often dwell in places with high concentrations of moisture, and dampness.
New construction termite treatment includes a list of mandatory procedures to guarantee an area of termite-free construction. One of the most common methods of pre-construction termite treatment executed by professional pest control companies is by using insecticides before proceeding with slab placements.
So, how is insecticide used for new construction termite treatment?
- Before the onset of foundation work, the bottom, and the sides of the excavation will be treated with chemical products.
- Next, they proceed to make holes in the earth where slabs on grade will be built, and fill them with chemical products.
- While they’re at it, they make holes around the perimeter of the construction and fill them with insecticides.
- Chemicals will also be placed where the walls and the floors intersect, as well as pipe beddings.
- Finally, professional pest control contractors will use specific anti-termite chemicals to treat the section of the structure where wooden products such as doors, cabinets, windows, fittings will be placed.
Besides chemical soil treatment, how else do exterminators conduct pre-construction termite treatment?
When several factors, such as nearby bodies of water, are present, chemical soil treatment will prove to be an ineffective method. In such scenarios, exterminators will often turn to borate treatment as an alternative, as exterminators will apply this treatment during the dried-in phase of the construction, including treating the wood studs in hopes of preventing termites entry. Additionally, borate is used instead of insecticides as it’s a potent termite killer that doesn’t harm the environment as it’s a combination of oxygen and boron.
Other than borate treatment, exterminators also would suggest physical barrier installation. In situations whereby chemical treatment is rendered impossible, physical barrier installation is the best alternative. Exterminators will place a thick sheet of insecticide-infused polymer that will be encompassed around every wooden element of the structure that is nearest to the ground. The best part? It’s completely odourless and can last up to 50 years, especially when mesh steel barriers are added to other pre-construction termite treatments.
Exterminators will also conduct foundation treatment, which is typically a step in an extensive treatment. For this particular treatment, exterminators will treat the timbers that will be used for construction with termiticides to ensure it is termite-proof for years to come. However, this treatment will require regular maintenance as it will wear off after a few decades.
Finally, exterminators may also consider rodding treatment, whereby a six-feet long metal pole will be used to inject permethrin-based gel below the ground. The top of the pole also consists of a knob that keeps the gel solution pressurized. The metal pole is then pushed into the ground to create a hole, where the pesticide gel will be injected. Moreover, the metal pole will be placed at an 18-inch distance from the construction site. This treatment option is highly recommended for those who are not excited with the idea of a surface-based pre-construction termite treatment.
But, why is it important?
Well, for many reasons. For one, it helps to prevent termite infestation at the construction site, and eventually, the completed structure. It will also help you to save money as the cost of repair for damages can be costly. As we believe it is always best to be proactive rather than reactive, do contact us at 011-1524 0121 if you’re looking to have your construction project undergo pre-construction termite treatment. Our experienced exterminators will ensure a termite-free project.