Real talk: You could have prevented termite infestations if you invested in pre-construction termite treatment when your house is still under construction. Well, there could be an exemption if you just bought your house from someone else. Many people who are paying for a house construction often miss this very important part. Getting rid of termites doesn’t start when they are already munching on your house’s foundation. You can reduce the risk even before the first piece of wood is installed in the construction.
So what is this and why is it important for your house? On this post, I included some quick facts about its benefits, cost, process, and more.
What is a pre-construction termite treatment?
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This termite treatment is simply the process of treating the land before you construct the house. Sometimes, the procedure could also be done when the foundation is already in place. Most of the time, pest experts would pour pesticides on the soil before the construction personnel place the slabs of wood for your flooring. You’ll know more about this process later on.
This could be followed by another treatment when the house is already finished. Some states impose this for commercial establishments as a requirement for the Certification of Occupancy.
This treatment isn’t just a basic application of chemicals. The pest experts plan this ahead based on the construction plan of your house. This is so they can strategically integrate different termite barriers that will shield you against the pest.
Do you really need it?
Do you actually need to spend on this process? This depends on your discretion, but if you want added peace of mind, it won’t hurt to spend a little more. Many contractors would suggest that you do this or they may even have a service that comes with the construction. There’s nothing to lose (aside from money) if you’re going to treat your property with termiticides before the construction of the house.
If you want your property to have less risk of being infested with termites, the answer to the question is yes. It’s just a matter of choice, budget, and compliance with your state rules.
The Cost And The Factors Affecting It
We have arrived on the most asked question in the pest control industry. How much will it cost me? The amount depends on the rates of the company you’re going to hire as well as the size of the land you intend to be treated. It could be between $240 to $400 for average houses or higher if you’re availing their top products. The rule of thumb here is that the price of the treatment should be less than the price it will cost to paint your house.
You should keep in mind that there are some key factors that will affect the cost. Here are some of it:
Type of treatment- If you choose the most expensive chemicals it will definitely cost more. Also, there are termite barriers like Kordon that could be expensive. It would be wise to do some research first and scout the possible choices you have.
Guarantee – A treatment guarantee is like insurance that will cover the effectiveness of the treatment. Some companies could offer a guarantee for future infestations but that would be very expensive. Always ask for a possible deductible or rebate.
The company you’re hiring – The biggest sin you can do when hiring a company for the termite treatment is not comparing prices. National companies have hefty rates so it’s advisable that you invest in trusted ones on your locality.
The size of your house – Termite treatments are measured by the square foot. If you have a big house to build, expect a higher price. Just don’t agree with a per-gallon pricing system as this will cost you a lot.
The Benefits To Your Home
The first benefit of having a pre-construction termite treatment is it will cost less than having to pay for infestation treatments in the future. Of course, there will be less chance of termite infestation for years after the house is finished. The process of treating a house before construction is also fewer compared to dealing with colonies of termites already munching on wood.
Another thing is that it would be easier for the pest control personnel to apply the treatment, as there are no obstacles from construction. There are no cramped basement to deal with and no messy attic to go through. Also, like what I’d said, prevention is way better than cure.
Not The Single Solution
The effects pre-construction termite treatment will last for years but you should keep in mind that it will not last forever. Time will come when you’ll have to do some preventive treatments to continue the shield-like effect of the curing applied to your house.
You still have to be mindful of the risk factors that may arise in your household like pipe leaks or stacks of damp wood. These simple things can sabotage your termite prevention plan.
For best results, it’s advisable to have a continuous contract with a pest control company that will inspect your house yearly or quarterly for possible infestations.
The Process
For you to have an idea of how the experts do the treatment, here are some of the steps that may take place during the curing. Just take note that these may vary depending on the technique of the company you hired.
No. 1 – The foundations of the house will be treated first as this is the common harborage of the pests. It’s also the likely entryway during an infestation. Pest control experts will pour termiticides on the wood so the termites will die when they chew on it.
No 2. – The second step is going down the soil around the foundation. This will also be cured with chemicals as termites can construct a large network under the soil and can penetrate your home from beneath. Most likely, the entire space covered by the floor plan will undergo treatment.
No.3 – On this stage, the plinth walls will be treated so the termites have no way of climbing through this platform of the structure. Liquid termiticides are also used here for an easier application.
No. 4 – Once the pipes and tubes of the house are installed, this is the time when the pest control experts loosen the soil around it for treating. The soil surrounding each tube should be treated so the mites won’t use it as an entryway.
These are just the main steps a pest control company would perform before and during the construction of your house. There could be subsequent steps depending on the package that you avail from them.
Doing Your Part
Aside from the pre-construction termite treatment, you should also do your part of preventing termite infestations in your new home. No matter how effective the treatment is, there are chances that the termites may enter from other points like your window or door. Here are some points for starters:
-Always fix pipe leaks the moment it surfaces. Dampness is the bosom friend of termites.
-Avoid burying wood in your yard as it’s like giving away free food for the termites that could be hiding under the ground.
-Ask the pest control personnel about preventive measures you can do once you saw signs of termites.
-Talk to the company about the results you want to achieve on the pre-construction termite treatment. Most of the time, homeowners think that they are exempted from infestation just because they performed such treatment. Setting a realistic expectation is also important here.
-Don’t let your pet roam the construction area while the treatment is ongoing. It will be a hassle to the pest control personnel and your dog might ingest the termiticides.
What To Remember
After the treatment, it’s easy for a homeowner to ruin the barriers set by the pest control experts. This is the same thing that we want you to avoid. So once the house is ready for occupancy, you should remember these points:
-Renovation in the future might compromise the barriers. It’s unlikely that you’ll have any renovation in the works in the coming years, but to be sure, you should know where the barriers are placed. This is so you won’t ruin it.
-The plan to add a deck or pathway should be assessed first by the pest control company that provided the pre-construction termite treatment.
-You don’t have to worry about the harmful effect of the chemicals as the barriers and termiticides are applied on places you’ll rarely go to.
-The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the condition of the soil. If the soil on your site is damp, it will be the right time to apply the termicides as it will be absorbed well. Avoid very wet conditions or very dry soil as this is no good.
-The construction personnel should be informed of the installed barriers. Once the treatment is in place, there should be a minimal disturbance on the soil. Pest control experts would cover the treated site with a sheet to avoid rain from washing it off.
Investing in pre-construction termite treatment is a wise move in protecting your home against the destructive termites. It’s added protection on your property so you can spare yourself from the damages in the future.
Just keep in mind that this treatment isn’t the sole solution to the problem. You still have to continue monitoring and removing possible harborage of the pest. Are you thinking about availing this treatment? Ping me in the comment section!