Termite control methods like soil termiticides, baiting systems, and chemical wood treatments must be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA also labels termite control products with specific application guidelines. In Louisiana and other states where termites are abundant and highly destructive, laws exist requiring home builders to apply termiticide barriers to properties before homes are constructed. In cases where the application of soil termiticide is not feasible, the International Residential Code allows home builders to use pressure treated lumber as an alternative form of protection against termite attacks. In these cases, all lumber components up to the top plate of the first floor wall must be pressure treated. This includes all subflooring and floor joists on the first floor of homes. When pressure treated wood is used as an alternative to a termiticide soil treatment, mortgage lenders must be notified in a letter written by the home builder, and the home builder is also obligated to provide the person buying the home with a one year termite warranty.

Before concrete is poured to make a new foundation, the soil must first be treated with a termiticide to create a subterranean termite barrier. This is the most common type of pre-construction termiticide soil treatment, but post-construction termiticide perimeter treatments are also commonly applied around existing homes. While post-construction termiticide perimeter treatments offer effective protection from subterranean termite attacks, all new homes built in most states where termites are abundant must be treated with termiticides pre-construction, or with pressure treated lumber during construction. After homes are constructed, appraisers inspect homes and the surrounding property for vulnerabilities that can lead to subterranean termite infestations. The most important areas to inspect for such vulnerabilities include exterior door frames, wood siding in contact with the ground soil, eaves, gable vents, window sills and crawl spaces.

Does your home have any defects that can lead to subterranean termite infestations?