Getting a Head Start: 5 Types of Pre-Construction Termite Control

Were you aware that termites can ruin a construction project?

Termites are some of the most troublesome pests to deal with because they can cause heavy damage to a structure. This damage can lead to a plethora of problems that make a structure dangerous to enter.

Many termites enter a building through soil and cracks in concrete. When inside, they'll attack wood, leaving gaps and reducing its strength. Fortunately, termite control services can use a variety of termite control products to prevent them from ever entering a construction zone.

In Yuba City, termite control is done using a variety of things. Read on to learn about five types of pre-construction termite control!

1. Soil Liquid Treatment

One of the most effective ways pest control services prevent fend off termites is by applying liquid treatments to the soil around the foundation. Whenever something like a house is being built, they'll also treat the soil around support piers.

Applying liquid treatments is highly effective because it prevents termites from ever reaching the wood in a building. You also don't have to worry about the entire soil getting treated. Only the soil surrounding the foundation where the building will be constructed.

Whenever larger buildings are being constructed that require slab foundations, the entire surface will be treated before the concrete is placed. Hiring termite control services is necessary for projects like this because many gallons of treatment are used, which can be difficult to apply alone. 

Soil treatment isn't done at one time. Instead, it's applied several times throughout the construction process. Whenever landscaping is done or the foundation is built, the treatment will be applied again to ensure everything is covered.

2. Baits

Using termite baits is a more traditional approach because it doesn't require any chemicals. In situations where liquid treatment isn't applicable, baiting systems will be used to catch termites as they approach the construction zone.

However, termite baits typically aren't placed until after construction is completed. Termite pest control services wait until afterward to prevent the baits from getting damaged during construction.

3. Wood Treatment

While applying liquid treatment to the soil is common, it can also be applied to wood. Applying liquid treatment to both soil and wood is optimal when constructing houses, which use a lot of wood. However, this treatment won't prevent termites from entering concrete slabs.

If a building has a concrete foundation, termite baits may also be used to prevent them from entering cracks that form over time (which are inevitable). When they enter a home through concrete, they'll try to attack untreated wood.

The wood treatment essentially prevents termites from ruining a building's structure, but it won't stop them from infesting it. If you see mud tubes on a wall, you can tell that termites have infested the building and termite pest control services should be hired.

4. Steel Mesh

While termite baits are effective and stopping termites from entering a building through its foundation, stainless steel mesh is another option. Steel mesh is one of the best termite treatment products because it's wrapped around the foundation, pipes, and more.

Termites are too large to enter the small holes in steel mesh and they're unable to break it. This is an effective option for anyone that's looking to substitute liquid treatments while constructing something. Like other types of treatment, it's best to use steel mesh while also using another method, such as termite baits.

5. Barrier Treatments

Steel mesh is a type of barrier treatment, but a variety of things can be used as barriers to prevent termite invasion. Some of the other barrier treatments, such as sand and stone, are primarily used only in pre-construction. If someone wanted to treat existing buildings, they should use other methods.

Here's some more info about sand and stone barriers:

Sand
Unlike soil, sand is much smaller and impenetrable for termites. Soil often has a lot of gaps and can be broken up into tiny particles that termites can move. However, the particles in the sand are too large for termites and they don't leave gaps.

Sand barriers are often formed along the foundation of a building to prevent termites from ever reaching the concrete. It can also be mixed with soil to fill gaps.

When using a sand barrier, liquid treatment should also be used to ensure that termites don't find a way to get through the sand. However, they're effective when termite inspections are done often.

Stone
Stone barriers are similar to sand barriers in that they consist of small particles that termites can't get through. What makes a stone barrier different from a sand barrier is the size of the particles, which are too heavy for termites to move. They're also too hard for termites to dissolve.

These barriers are often placed around the foundation and beneath floors. When using stone barriers and liquid treatment, termites have virtually no way of getting into a building.

Hire Termite Control Services Today

Now that you have a better understanding of some of the most common types of pre-construction termite control, you'll know exactly what to do when doing a new project. All you'll need to do is hire termite control services if you'd like to ensure that everything is done correctly.

While you can buy termite treatment and apply it yourself, we encourage people to hire services because of how much work is required. You can't get rid of termites in the same way that you can other insects. Whenever you start a construction project, hire termite control services to avoid long-term problems.

Anyone that wants pest control in Yuba City can contact us to learn more about how we can help you with termite control today!