How often should you treat your house for termites?
Generally speaking, you should treat your house for termites every 5 years. Bait stations should be checked every 6 weeks and replaced annually. Perform termite inspections every year for newer homes and every 6 months for older homes, regardless of the treatment type.
How long does new construction termite treatment last?
Q3: How long does new construction termite treatment last? A: The efficacy of the treatment will last up to 5 years. This is already an extended period, considering that rain and flooding will cause the termiticides to be washed away. As for treated timber, the effect may last longer.
How do you get rid of termites in a new construction?
Current Options for Treating Homes Under Construction. 1 Soil-applied termiticides. 2 Termite baits. 3 Wood Treatment. 4 Stainless steel mesh Soil-applied liquid termiticides.
Do you have to wait before moving in after termite treatment?
Also, all lose junctions will be sealed to patch up any possible pathways of insect pests. These treatments have a residual effect. However, if the chemical used is abrasive, the builders may advise that you let the fumes dissipate first before moving in. Q1: How much does termite pre treatment cost?
What time of year is best for termite treatment?
winterAs soon as the temperatures get back above freezing, termites will travel back up their tubes and tunnels, and get right back to work. The best time to do a termite treatment is now. It doesn't matter if it is spring, summer, fall, or winter.
How do I protect my new home from termites?
Top Ways to Protect Your Home from Termites:Eliminate water from around your home: ... Eliminate food sources for termites on and around your home: ... Make sure your home's siding is not touching or below the ground level. ... Keep up with all home maintenance and inspections.Siding should be in good condition.More items...•
Can termites be in a new house?
Yes, it is possible to have termites in new construction or in a new home. Termites are not limited to old or rotten wood, they are just as happy consuming brand new wooden studs or foundations in new construction and homes.
How often should your house be treated for termites?
So, how often should a house be treated for termites? Termite treatments last about five to eight years. A liquid termite treatment can last five years or more. Termite bait station treatments only last one year and require routine inspections, customarily performed every 3 to 6 months.
What is pre construction anti-termite treatment?
Pre constructional anti-termite treatment is a process in which soil treatment is applied to a building in early stages of its construction. The purpose of anti-termite treatment is to provide the building with a chemical barrier against the sub-terrain termites.
What attracts termites to a house?
In addition to wood inside the home, termites are drawn inside by moisture, wood in contact with house foundations, and cracks in building exteriors. Different combinations of these factors attract different species. Additionally, geographic location plays a role in how likely homeowners are to deal with infestations.
Are termites a deal breaker?
So, when is it a deal-breaker? In most cases, termite damage shouldn't be a deal-breaker, unless you find that: — There is an active and unresolved termite infestation. — There is extensive and unresolved structural damage to the home caused by termites.
How may termites be controlled on a construction site?
Soil-applied liquid termiticides. Conventional liquid treatments applied to the soil form a continuous chemical barrier in the soil around both sides of the foundation. ... Termite baits. Baits are an important option in termite prevention and control programs. ... Wood treatment. ... Stainless steel mesh. ... Other barrier treatments.
Do termites eat new wood?
Termites never stop eating, even once they have established themselves in your home. To feed their ever-growing colonies, they will devour anything that contains cellulose.
How long is a termite treatment good for?
about 5 yearsHow Long Termite Treatments Last. On average, termite treatment lasts about 5 years. Liquid termite treatment can last five years or more, whereas termite bait stations only last one year and need to be maintained annually.
Is drilling necessary for termite treatment?
Answer: The answer to this question is also in our How To Do A Termite Treatment Article. For your garage, porch, patios, or other contiguous slabs against the home, you will need to get the termiticide underneath the concrete against the foundation. To do this you will need a hammer drill with a 1/2" x 18" drill bit.
How long does it take for termites to destroy a house?
A single termite on its own would take thousands of years to do serious damage to your property, and termites only live for around two years. The problem is that termites do not live on their own; they live in colonies with hundreds, or even thousands, of other termites.
How do termites invade a house?
Skip to Foundation Termite Barriers. Termites usually invade homes by way of the foundation, either by crawling up the exterior surface where their activity is usually obvious, or by traveling inside hollow block masonry ( Figure 8 ).
When to use baits for termites?
In some instances, baites are used when a liquid treatment is considered unacceptable for whatever reason or they may be used in conjunction with a liquid treatment. With new construction, baiting systems are not actually installed until after final grading is completed so ...
What is termite resistant?
"Termite-resistant" building materials are not new; some date back to the early 1900s (or earlier). There are a number of building materials that are becoming more popular in North Carolina as alternatives to conventional siding and other materials, which are typical vulnerable to termites and other wood-destroying organisms ( Figure 13 ). The manufacturers assert that these products are termite (and decay) resistant and usually carry a long-term, limited warranty. Example of such products include HardiPlank ® and HardiPanel ®. As in the case of treated lumber, these products are more expensive than most conventional building materials. However, their long-term benefit in terms of durability and pest-resistance should be considered.
What is a metal termite shield?
Metal termite shields ( Figure 9) have been used for decades to deter termite movement along foundation walls and piers on up to the wooden parts of the structure. The shields are rarely installed in modern construction. If installed improperly (i.e., not soldered/sealed properly) or they become damaged or deteriorated ...
What is termi mesh?
Termi-mesh ® ( Termimesh Australia Pty Ltd.) is stainless steel mesh (apperture of 0.66 x 0.45 mm) that is wrapped around foundations, pipes, posts to prevent termite intrusion ( Figure 7 ). The product is marketed in Australia and, more recently, in parts of the United States, particularly in Hawaii. Termi-mesh was installed in a house in western North Carolina during 1999. State regulations do allow the use of this product as a substitute for a conventional (liquid) or bait termite treatment in new construction.
What is treated lumber?
Treated lumber. North Carolina Building Code requires the use of treated lumber in certain areas of a home, such as when the wood that will be in direct contact with soil or mounted on masonry in contact with the soil (e. g., the wooden " sill plate" that rests on your foundation ).
When was termi mesh installed?
Termi-mesh was installed in a house in western North Carolina during 1999. State regulations do allow the use of this product as a substitute for a conventional (liquid) or bait termite treatment in new construction.
What is termite treatment?
It’s called the pre construction termite treatment, a process where the soil is treated before the slab placement. This shields your future home from termite damages.
How long does termite treatment last?
A: The efficacy of the treatment will last up to 5 years. This is already an extended period, considering that rain and flooding will cause the termiticides to be washed away. As for treated timber, the effect may last longer.
Why do you need to hire an exterminator?
Another reason why you have to hire professionals is that each state imposes building codes and laws about the use of specific pesticides.
What do builders do after a house is completed?
Once the house is complete and can be occupied, the builders will look for holes and other tiny details that they need to patch up. Also, the builder will patch any voids in the masonry with an anti-termite chemical em ulsion.
How long does pre-treated wood stay termite proof?
They will identify which soil areas should be treated. As per your request, they will also procure pre-treated wood that will stay termite-proof for years.
How long is a metal pole used for pesticide injection?
For this process, a metal pole that’s approximately 6 feet long will be used to inject permethrin-based gel under the ground. On top of the pole is also knob that keeps it pressurized. The pole will be pushed into the ground to create a hole where the pesticide gel will be injected.
What to use to protect against termites?
After treating the soil and foundation areas, the construction builder may also add a basaltic rock or sand as an additional barrier against the termites. Other treatment procedures may also be used depending on the building codes in effect in your location.
How Often Should You Treat Your House for Termites?
The frequency that you should treat your house for termites will depend on the treatment type itself.
What Attracts Termites?
The best way to prevent any damage to your home is by knowing how termite infestations are caused.
Termite Treatment Types
There are two types of termite treatments- preventative and corrective. The more preventative work you do, the less possible damage you’ll have to correct later.
Factors That Contribute to How Long Termite Treatments Last
There are a few elements that determine how long your termite treatments will last.
How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?
Corrective or preventive treatment can be a significant investment, but it will be worth it in the long run. The expense of the treatment depends on all the factors mentioned above.
Related Questions
There are a variety of noises termites can make, but most go undetected by humans.
The Bottom Line
Termites are persistent pests that can cause major damage to your house over time.
Why treat termites before construction?
Treating termites before construction starts can help you defend against possible claims in the future as they frequently dwell where there is a high concentration of moisture and dampness. In old houses, these are frequent problems because they tend to live in obstructed or blocked water supply and sewerage pipes.
What is termite treatment?
Termite treatment in pre-construction stages includes several procedures that must be done to ensure an area of termite-free construction. Treating the soil before any slab placement with insecticides is the most common method of termite treatment .
How do I treat a termite infestation?
Start with an assessment of the entire area. Determine the extent of the damage (if any), the location of the termites, access points to the structure, and their spread in the area. The following tips should be kept in mind: 1 As in the pre-construction process, make holes and fill them with chemicals to create a barrier around the house. 2 Treat the floors and walls by drilling holes and filling them with chemicals. All walls or the vast majority should be treated to ensure that no more spreading will continue. 3 Apply chemicals on all points of contact of wood with the ground or with any part of the building. 4 Also, treat any voids in masonry with anti-termite treatment. 5 Change and replace wood products or furniture that have high impact and presence of termites, beyond any limit of reparation.
How to treat a construction perimeter?
Treat the perimeter of the construction by making holes filled with chemicals surrounding structure. Fill an area with chemical products in pipe beddings to secure the future of the piping.
How to get rid of termites in the ground?
Remove wood products that have had the presence of moisture or have been in contact with water for a prolonged time. Eliminate wood contact with the ground. Do not bury direct pieces of wood in the ground for any use. Fill junctions or voids.
How to keep termites out of my house?
When all measurements have been taken, perform these simple steps to ensure that your area keeps free of termites. Keep drains and gutters clean to avoid leakage. Make sure that there are no blocked lines, no filtration, nor broken pipes with excess moisture around them. Eliminate all sources of moisture.
How to treat the bottom of an excavation?
Treat the bottom and sides of an excavation with chemical products prior to the onset of foundation work. Make holes in the earth and fill them with chemical products where slabs on grade will be built. Use chemicals where walls and floors intersect. Treat the perimeter of the construction by making holes filled with chemicals surrounding structure.
How to prevent termites in a new home?
To prevent termites when building a new home, it’s essential to apply treatment before, during, and after the construction. These methods include some of the following techniques: Treating the lumber used in the build. Using more termite-resistant materials. Applying chemicals on all points of contact of wood to the ground.
How to protect new construction from termites?
When building a new structure, there are a number of things that can be done to protect the new build from termites. The most important step in any pre-construction phase is treating the soil before placing slabs. This can form a chemical barrier to prevent termites from getting near the building. Other important techniques to help prevent termites ...
How Do I Prepare My Home for a Termite Treatment?
Termites are destructive pests that can do a significant amount of damage to your home very quickly. An average colony will consume about one foot of 2 x 4 beam every six months and can affect the structural integrity of a home in as little as two to three years. In short, it’s essential to keep your home protected from termites.
Chemical Termite Treatments
There are several chemical options to get rid of termites, including termiticides and gas fumigants. Your pest control professional can complete a termite inspection and help you decide on the best way to treat your home based on the type of termites you have and the extent of the infestation.
Termiticide
Termiticide is an insecticide with active ingredients that attack the termites’ nervous system to kill them. Your exterminator will spray your lawn and the areas around your house, saturating the ground and reaching into the termite tunnels. Termiticide takes little to no preparation and isn’t dangerous to pets or wildlife.
Fumigant
Termite fumigation is a highly effective way to rid your home of termites. During this treatment, your exterminator will surround your home with a tent and release gas. The fumigant will kill any termites present, even those hiding in hard-to-reach places. However, unlike termiticide, you will need to prepare for the treatment.
Preparing Your Home for Fumigant Treatment
Termite treatment fumes can penetrate through cracks and crevices and are unsafe for humans or pets to breathe in. Your food and medicine are also at risk during the fumigation process and must be appropriately protected.
Make Arrangements Away From Your Home
The first step to prepare your home for fumigant termite control is making sure that your home is empty. You, your family, and your pets can’t stay in your home during the termite tenting process, so you’ll need to arrange accommodations elsewhere.
Remove or Protect Food and Other Items
Before treatment begins, you will need to either remove food, medicine, and hygiene products from your home, even if they are unopened or protect them adequately. It’s imperative to check all areas of your home for any food or medication.
How to prevent termites in new construction?
A great way to prevent termite infestations in new construction is to treat the building materials with termiticides before beginning construction. Lumber can be treated with a spray or a brushed-on concentrated solution. An alternative is to apply termiticides anywhere the new structure touches the ground to pretreat the soil.
How long does liquid soil termite treatment last?
Liquid-Soil Termiticides. Liquid-soil termiticides are a long-lasting treatment that can keep a home safe from termites for up to five years on average, though some products claim a longer protection period. However, this treatment isn’t simple.
What baits kill termites?
The bait includes powerful active ingredients, like hexaflumuron, that kill the termites slowly.
How do you know if you have termites in your house?
Common signs of termites include discolored drywall, peeling paint, ho llow-sounding wood, and pinpoint holes in the drywall. If a colony is left untreated long enough, your walls will literally begin to crumble. However, you can eliminate and prevent termites from reentering with the best termite treatment for your home.
What is the best way to kill wood worms?
Wood Treatments. Instead of treating the soil or setting up bait stations, wood treatments include surface sprays and treatments and injected sprays and foams. These treatment options kill existing infestations and soak into the wood to prevent future infestations.
What are the signs of termites?
Common signs of termites include discolored drywall, peeling paint, hollow-sounding wood, ...
How long does imidacloprid kill nests?
The treatment acts within a month to kill existing nests and can protect a home for up to six months. The active ingredient, imidacloprid, works in a way similar to fipronil, killing insects by disrupting communication in their central nervous system, but it is less toxic to humans and pets.