Tips for Pre-Treating New Construction with Anti-Termite

Termites are insects that feed on clothing, as well as new and decayed wood. These destructive insects thrive in damp, dank environments. Each year, termites destroy millions of dollars’ worth of properties. To protect your home from termites, you need to treat the wood frame itself. Pre-treating the wood will protect the structure from future infestation.

How to Pre-Treat New Construction

Controlling termites start at using advanced techniques to contain the problem. It helps if you hired a team of professionals who can pre-treat your new home. The pre-treatment chemical should be applied on the exterior, interior, and the foundation of the building, including the foundation walls. In addition, pre-treating a building will be done in stages to achieve total protection from termites.

Step 1: Treating the Foundation Trenches

You want to start treating the foundation on either side of the wall. For treating, use a chemical at a rate of 7.5 liters per linear meter of vertical surface at a depth of 45cm and width of 15cm. Direct the chemical towards the masonry surface so that the soil in contact with the foundation walls is treated with the chemical as well.

Step 2: Treating the Top Surface of the Soil

After treating the foundation walls, you want to treat the top layer of the consolidated soil within the plinth walls at a rate of 5 liters per square meter. Make sure the backfill against the building is treated to its full depth for effective termite protection. After treating the trenches and foundation walls, cover the trench with soil. Repeat for the next 10-linear feet. Never dig the trench any deeper than the top of the footing! Keep the soil at the bottom of the trench loose to allow further penetration of chemicals.

Step 3: Treating the Basement Walls

To treat the outside basement walls, apply the chemical along the foundation. Use a rate of 4 gallons of chemical per 10 linear feet. The termiticide should be mixed with the soil.

Inject the termite treatment through a hollow rod attached at the end of a soil nozzle. This way, you can apply a continuous barrier of the chemical from footing to surface evenly. Apply the chemical to the interiors and exteriors of the foundation as well as around the chimney base, piers, pipes, conduits, and constructions in contact with the soil.

Other Factors to Consider

Safety

Because you are handling toxic chemical, always wear the right gears. Wear a pair of protective eyeglasses and mask. Wear long-sleeve clothing to protect the skin from chemicals. Apply the chemicals carefully to avoid wastage.

Clearing Out the Work Area

Clear the work area for efficient treatment. Make sure the drains and gutters are clean to avoid leaks. Remove blockages from lines, including broken pipes, etc. so the chemical will not filter out.

Removing Moisture

You want to remove all sources of moisture in the pre-treated area so the chemical remains potent. Clean any areas that cause moisture or humidity. Remove wooden materials that have the presence of moisture or those in contact with water. Never bury pieces of wood in the ground for any reason. This will only attract the termites.