Treatments for Termites
What is a termite
pretreatment?
It is the creation of a chemical barrier between
soil and the concrete floor of a structure.
Done properly, the barrier should prevent subterranean
termites from infesting the wood in the structure,
however, most of the chemicals used are designed
to repel termites; not kill them.
Pretreatment must be performed by a licensed
pest control operator, and the termiticide applied
in a manner consistent with the product label,
and the rules and regulations of the Arizona Structural
Pest Control Commission.
How do I know if my
home needs a pretreatment?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans
Administration Housing and Urban Development (VA
HUD), and the laws in many communities of Arizona
require that any building built as a single family
residence or duplex or which could be sold with
FHA or VA HUD warranted financing to have a soil
pretreatment. This pretreatment is warranted
by he builder for a period of five years.
If my house in infested
by subterranean termites, does that mean the job
was not done correctly?
Not necessarily. Pretreatment work is not an exact
science. Many factors can alter the effectiveness
of a pretreatment:
* the type of application equipment used
* the soil type and moisture content
* soil subsidence under the slab
* the weather conditions on the day of the treatment
* any disturbance of the chemical barrier by construction
workers on the siteHomeowners making cosmetic
changes can inadvertently disturb and destroy
the treated barrier.
What can I do to help
prevent subterranean termites from infesting my
home?
Any modification that requires breaking or cutting
into the concrete slab, or disturbing the soil
that touches the outside foundation needs to be
reported to the pest control company that originally
treated your home. The disturbed areas must
be retreated in order to maintain the integrity
of your barrier.
If you did any concrete for patios, room additions,
garages or carports, or made any other alterations
to your home, these also need to be treated.
Failure to do so could void your original five-year
pretreatment warranty.
Other modifications
that may void the warranty are:
* landscaping that is installed within 16 inches
of the foundation
* irrigation installed too close to the structure
* fence posts, trellises, or any other wooden
decor that touch both the ground and the structure
* changing the grade level of the soil outside
the foundation to create drainage toward the house.
* cool decking installed against the foundation
of the structure |
