Termite Control before Building 

Termite control is often thought of as the work technicians do at a home or other structure to respond to termite infestation. And this is certainly the work pest control companies do at homes that are suspected of infestation. A termite inspector comes out to ascertain whether a live infestation exists, and where the colony might be located. Then technicians come through and apply a chemical treatment that is non toxic to humans and animals but lethal to termites. However, this view of termite control only paints part of the picture.

Termite Infestation Treatment vs. Prevention

Termite infestation treatment is an important part of the work done by residential termite control companies. Elimination of the colony is the main goal when a home is infested. But another component of pest control service is prevention. And on a large scale, prevention may be the most important part of termite control.

There are many things that can be done to help prevent termites before a home is built, as well as certain methods during the building process that minimize the threat of trouble. The best and most effective termite treatment for any structure is to keep the pests from getting there in the first place. Whether by chemical or physical barriers, termite prevention can reduce the risk of a home getting infested.

Termite Pretreatment

Pretreatment refers to a technique of applying termiticide to the soil. This technique uses toxins to block concealed access points that subterranean termites might otherwise exploit. Most new homes and other structures built in the U.S. today are pretreated for termites during the original construction process. The process of applying these poisons into the soil under the building and around its perimeter during construction is known as pretreatment or a "pre treat". The installation of physical barriers and other proper construction methods ward off termites and prevent them from establishing colonies in or around homes.

A termite pre treat is designed to establish a chemical barrier between any wooden structures found in a building and the areas of the soil where termites may be present. To ensure a consistent chemical barrier that is impenetrable, the labels of pesticides include instructions for the proper amounts to use as well as correct application methods. This chemical application can cost some money but in termite prone regions can be a home's best bet for escaping harm.

Large volumes of emulsion are required to fill the soil around the foundation and the foundation to be covered with a concrete slab. The combination of a chemical and physical barrier is a key to the whole idea of prevention. The idea is to make it as difficult as possible for termites to gain a foothold in a home or other structure. As such, technicians are always expected to apply chemical treatments exactly as they are prescribed at precisely the correct concentration and volume. Any deviation from following the directions on the label exactly as they are presented is a violation of U.S. law.

Prepare Ahead to Avoid Termites

It is interesting to some people to learn that certain things we should do anyway as far as termite control before building our homes can also help make them more resistant to termites. For example, home wrap and felt paper that siding installers apply can help the plywood framing withstand infestation if it is applied correctly. This means stapling it smooth and covering any seams with the special tape made by the product manufacturers. The skirting, flashing, and other waterproofing metal that gets attached to buildings to help them shed water at their base also helps with termites.