I’ve got a question for all those with more experience than I. I am building my first house (and maybe my last) and I am wondering if I need to treat for termites. I have had one contractor tell me that a pressure treated sill plate wards off termites- is this true? I have also been told by one exterminator that a block foundation (as I have) is one of the worst situations for termites because they come up through the cavities in the block. I did insulate the cavities with vermiculite granular insulation to satisfy the local building code. Will this help? I don’t want termites, but I don’t want to be scared into an unnecessary and expensive treatment. Any thoughts on this issue? Thanks Woodchip
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Learn more about the benefits and compliance details for the DOE's new water heater energy-efficiency standards.
Featured Video
How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post CornersHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
The probability of termites getting to your house has a lot to do with your specific location -- the region you are in as well as specific neighborhoods even. If your neighbors have had termites, then you are at higher risk. Block foundations are very inviting for termits and other bugs. PT sill plates will not be eaten by termites in the short run, but it doesn't "ward" them off. This sill plate is pretty short -- 1.5" -- and the little buggers can just build their little tunnels around it if the don't have to go through it. If you do an internet search on termites, and view the pages from various universities, you'll learn quite a lot.
Overall, unless your area is a known termite location, I think you are worrying inappropriately. If the are you are building in is known to have termites, then you should build appropriately or move.
One other thing -- as with most bugs, water issues and locating wood close to the ground are major bug magnets, so make sure your foundation has enough exposure and you have done things like graded away from the house.
Thanks for your thoughts, Bill. We are building in the country and the nearest house is probably 300 yards away. We do have woods nearby though. As far as grading issues, I think that will not be a problem since the house sits on a hill and drainage is real good. I will check out some other web sites though, thanks again. Woodchip
When we were thinking about building again on a site where termites had eaten two houses, one built in 1917 and another in 1957, we contacted several universities and TX A+ M sent us material on how to build to protect the house in slab, basement or pier and beam constructions.
For our slab, they recommended we treat with Termidor (friponil) right before the pour.
Terminix did that and has a guarantee of five years plus recommended they add some perimeter treatment and that we monitor and keep traps to take care of any that try to get established later, maybe thru other ways.
We have both, the subterranean and flying termites.
In your place, I would check with several local pest companies and the university closest to you, that should be familiar with your area.
Its a local code requirement here to treat the foundation for termites before backfill. Thats in addition to termite shield and pressure treated sills. The treatment isn't cheap, but its some variety of pesticide that lasts a very long time. Not available except to exterminators. If its not required in your area you may not need it. Call your building inspector and ask what his opinion is. He should know the area and conditions pretty well. If he thinks its a good idea, it probably is.
Having been the owner of a Pest Control company, and a licensed applicator..
Yes. Pretreat the sub soil, install a flashing between the PT mudsill..sheet aluminum was fine but the new PT says keep it away from alum. So, I would be thinking along the copper or lead line.
Do not allow construction debris to accumulate in the footing trench prior to backfill...thats a BAD thing..
moisture control...have guttters drain away and slope grade as mentioned..very important.
keep shrubbery and trees AWAY from the foundation..remember carpenter ants can do more damage faster than termites..trust me on that
Do not let the wife plant Peonies near any thing wood,,,ant magnets is all they are..
In some areas of the country a yearly treatment is advised..such as Lousiana, where they are literally swamped with the little critters
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
use termador (sp) chemical
stay away from bait stations