How to Reduce the Cost of Pre Construction Termite Treatment
If you’re building a new home, you should consider pre construction termite treatment. However, this process will not be covered by your homeowners insurance. Termite treatments must be paid for out of your own pocket. Fortunately, there are a few ways to reduce the cost of pre construction termite treatment.
Termiticides are sprayed on the soil
When termites infest a building, it is crucial to treat the soil before construction begins. Termiticides are applied to the soil adjacent to the foundation elements and footings. The soil is then backfilled, establishing a continuous barrier to termites. This is done before the concrete slab is poured. Termiticides are also applied to the footings and outside perimeter walls, creating a barrier to termites.
In addition to spraying the soil, some builders opt to use a reticulation system, which is a network of drip lines installed on the soil underneath the structure. The termiticide can be pumped through the drip lines periodically. This option adds to the cost of pesticide defense, but can increase the longevity of the treatment.
Concrete is poured around the building
Pre-construction termite treatment requires a close collaboration between the builder and the PCO. The process involves several trips to the site. These trips occur after the building’s foundation has been approved, the footing has been laid, and the crawl space has been backfilled. Then, the building is leveled and the exterior grading has been finished. Three trips are typically sufficient to complete proper treatment.
The foundation of a building is also a good place to treat for termite control. The soil surrounding the foundation is treated with chemicals designed to repel and kill termites. The treatment is applied with the foundational concrete and should extend at least two inches above the ground.
Termi-mesh is used as a barrier
Termi-mesh is a stainless steel barrier that is used around pipes, posts, and foundations before a new home is built. It is not a stand-alone treatment, but is commonly used in addition to other treatments. Termi-mesh is available for both new construction and existing structures, and can be installed by trained professionals.
Pre-construction termite treatment is needed to prevent termites from destroying woodwork. Depending on the local building code, it can be required before building can begin. The first step of this process is to treat the slab, or base of the building. This should be done after the land has been graded and the footings have been poured. Typically, one gallon of chemical solution is applied to a slab. The cost is considerably less than treating a finished structure after construction, and it can save a homeowner money in the long run.
Termi-mesh is an effective barrier that blocks the access points for subterranean termites during construction. It is made of marine grade stainless steel woven wire mesh that is non-toxic to humans. The system also protects utility poles from termites.
Termiticides are applied to the wood
One chemical alternative to soil-applied termiticides is treating structural wood members before construction begins. Typically, this treatment is done before sheetrock or siding is installed. This chemical, called disodium octoborate-tetrahydrate, prevents termites from feeding on wood treated with borate. In addition, this treatment prevents termites from building mud tubes in the foundation walls.
This process is also called slab-on treatment. It involves applying a liquid termiticide to the wood before pouring the concrete slab. Depending on the type of foundation, the treatment should be applied at a rate recommended by the label. If you’re building a home on a raised slab, you’ll need to apply more termiticide than if you’re constructing a beach house or a crawlspace. Termiticides should be applied at the rate recommended on the label, usually at least four gallons per 10 square feet.
Pre-construction treatments can be used when termites are a major concern, especially for newly constructed homes. A termiticide treatment can prevent termites from infesting new wood, but it won’t keep the problem at bay indefinitely. The best way to avoid a termite infestation is to use chemically-treated wood instead of wood that’s not treated.
Termiticides are applied to the soil
Termiticides are applied to the ground before the construction of new structures. These chemicals provide protection for up to 12 years. They are applied to the soil around the foundation and beneath it. These chemicals are applied in three stages: before the pouring of the concrete slab, before the stem walls are built, and before the final exterior perimeter grade is established.
Termiticides are diluted before the construction begins and are mixed into the soil. After a few days, the termiticide will kill any existing termites in the soil. These chemicals should not harm the surrounding vegetation or other structures. Termites may enter a slab home through the expansion joints in the slab.