Termite Pre-treatment - Termite Pre-treatment Recommendations

Termite Pre-treatment Recommendations

1) Make sure the company performing the work is competent, licensed, insured and bonded.

2) The builder and termite manager should maintain communication before and during the construction of the foundation and have a mutual understanding of the completed structure so that all additions and finished soil levels are properly covered. All parties need adequate notice regarding changes in structural elements and soil conditions.

3) Be aware of soil conditions at the job site. The termiticide emulsion is applied to soak into the voids in the soil and typically (but not always) is expected to bond to organic carbon (think dead things) and so avoid washing away. It is much easier to apply chemical to sand (big voids) but bonding is poor while fine clays offer better bonding but fewer gaps for the emulsion to penetrate. Like stone, some clays are effectively untreatable unless broken up. If the soil is saturated with water or if it is too cold, it will be impossible to apply the chemical at the required label rate. Liquid termiticide labels prohibit the application of the product if soils are frozen or saturated.