Nobody wants termites in their home. Most people are under the impression that termites only attack woodwork, plants and trees that are above ground. This is not the case. Subterranean termites live in nests below the ground and attack any wood that is in direct contact with the ground. They can also get to wood that is above the ground by way of the tunnels they build to reach the higher levels. These tunnels or tubes can often run several feet above ground level. Termites can also enter a structure through the expansion joints in concrete slabs or openings where utilities enter the building. The best way to avoid a subterranean termite infestation is to have pre-treatment done at the time of building construction.
What Is Pre-Treatment?
Termite pre-treatment at the time of building construction is recommended by architects and builders. It offers the most effective and economical way of preventing termite damage.There are a number of pre-treatment options available. One involves treating the soil surrounding the foundation of a structure with chemicals that kill any termites that may be present or which may try to build nests there in the future. Once the treatment has been applied and the foundation has been laid, the soil is sealed in to retain the chemicals. Another way is to apply liquid termiticide around the foundation to prevent any termite attack. Liquid termiticide can also be injected directly into the foundation walls and over and under concrete slabs to keep termites away. The type of construction, the actual prevalence of termites in the region and the construction techniques being used will determine how the pre-treatment is to be done.
Pre-treatment should also be done when additions are being made to a home or when an in ground swimming pool is be constructed.
The Benefits
When pre-treatment against subterranean termites is done at the time of construction, the effects last for a long time and the homeowner does not have to worry about termite infestation. It also reduces the need to have regular termite control treatments done and so reduces the disruption to family life that the treatment can otherwise cause. Since the pre-treatment is part of the construction process, this minor cost can be factored in the construction budget.
Subterranean termite colonies can contain up to 1 million insects. That is a huge amount and the damage they can do could be catastrophic. Studies show that subterranean termites cause more damage in the U.S. each year than fires and storms combined. If you are planning on building a home or adding to it, termite pre-treatment is a major factor in protecting one of the biggest investments you will make and one that will become the center of your family’s life. To learn more about pre-treatment, contact a professional termite control company. They will be able to explain the process in detail and answer all your questions. If you have not had pre-treatment done, then they will be able to suggest other termite control treatments and measures you can use to protect your home.
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