Termite Treatment in New Construction: Complete Guide for Builders & Homeowners
Termite treatment in new construction is a vital preventative measure that helps protect a building from costly termite damage before it even begins. Termites cause billions of dollars in property damage every year, and once they’ve infested a structure, repairs can be extensive and expensive. By incorporating termite protection strategies during the construction phase, builders and homeowners can avoid these issues entirely.
This article explores everything you need to know about new construction termite treatment, including methods, timing, code requirements, costs, and best practices.
🐜 Why Termite Treatment Is Crucial in New Construction
Termites are silent destroyers. They feed on cellulose-based materials like wood, insulation, drywall paper, and even flooring. Often, their activity goes unnoticed until significant structural damage has already occurred.
Treating for termites during new construction is more effective and less invasive than post-construction treatments. Once the foundation is poured and walls are enclosed, your treatment options become more limited and expensive.
🧱 Types of Termite Treatments Used in New Construction
There are several approved methods for treating termites during the construction process. Each has its own advantages depending on the soil type, climate, building design, and local code.
1. Soil Treatment (Pre-Treatment)
This is the most common and effective method.
- Before slab is poured, a termiticide is applied to the soil where the foundation will sit.
- This creates a chemical barrier that repels or kills termites trying to enter from underground.
- Must be performed by a licensed pest control professional.
Key Benefit: Protects the structure from subterranean termites.
2. Wood Treatment
All wood components of a home that come in contact with the ground or concrete (such as sill plates or framing) are treated with a borate solution.
- Applied to raw wood before insulation and drywall are installed.
- Offers protection by making the wood toxic or unpalatable to termites.
Key Benefit: Adds protection to the structure’s framing and is environmentally friendly.
3. Physical Barriers
These are non-chemical solutions installed during construction to physically block termite entry.
Examples include:
- Stainless steel mesh barriers
- Sand barriers
- Termite shields (usually metal flashing placed on top of foundation walls)
Key Benefit: Ideal for builders looking for chemical-free options.
4. Bait Systems (Less Common for New Construction)
Some builders install termite bait systems around the perimeter during or right after construction is complete.
- Bait systems attract termites to poisoned food sources.
- Slower acting and best used in combination with soil treatments.
Key Benefit: Provides ongoing monitoring and control.
🕒 When to Apply Termite Treatment During Construction
| Construction Stage | Treatment Action |
|---|---|
| Site Preparation | Plan for termite treatment in building specs |
| Pre-slab (before pouring) | Apply soil termiticide under foundation and around footings |
| Post-slab but before framing | Inspect treated soil area and reapply if disturbed |
| Framing Stage | Apply borate wood treatment if needed |
| Before backfilling | Re-treat soil if original application was disturbed |
| Final Inspection | Provide proof of treatment to building inspector |
Treatments must be documented and inspected, as many jurisdictions require a certificate of treatment before issuing a certificate of occupancy.
📜 Code Requirements for Termite Treatment
Termite control in new construction is often required by local building codes or state laws. The International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) also provide guidance:
- IRC Section R318.1: Requires termite protection in areas where subterranean termites are known to occur.
- Termiticide application must follow EPA regulations.
- Must be installed according to label instructions and state regulations.
- Treated soil must not be disturbed after application.
States like Florida, California, Texas, Georgia, and South Carolina have stricter codes due to high termite risk.
💰 Cost of Termite Treatment in New Construction
| Treatment Type | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Soil Pre-Treatment | $250 – $600 for average home |
| Borate Wood Treatment | $300 – $800 |
| Physical Barriers | $400 – $1,500 |
| Combination Approach | $500 – $2,000+ |
The cost varies based on square footage, soil type, and region. Some builders include termite treatment as part of the standard construction package, while others offer it as an upgrade.
🧰 Best Practices for Termite Prevention in New Homes
✅ Coordinate Early
Make termite protection part of the design and planning process. Choose a builder familiar with local termite threats and compliance requirements.
✅ Use Combination Methods
For areas with high termite activity, a combined treatment strategy (e.g., soil + wood treatment) offers the best protection.
✅ Maintain the Barrier
- Avoid disturbing treated soil during landscaping or plumbing work.
- Keep mulch, plants, or wood piles at least 18 inches away from the foundation.
✅ Maintain Proper Drainage
Ensure good slope away from the foundation and no standing water. Termites thrive in moist conditions.
✅ Get Documentation
After treatment, the pest control company should provide:
- A certificate of treatment
- Product labels and application details
- A diagram of treated areas
📋 Table: Comparison of Termite Treatment Options for New Construction
| Treatment Method | Effectiveness | Eco-Friendly | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soil Termiticide | High | Moderate | Low to Medium | Most residential and commercial projects |
| Borate Wood Treatment | Medium | High | Medium | Framing protection in all climates |
| Physical Barriers | High | High | Medium to High | Chemical-free projects, areas with code focus |
| Bait Systems | Medium | High | Medium | Long-term control or supplement |
🧠 Why Builders Should Prioritize Termite Pre-Treatment
Termite protection isn’t just an optional add-on—it’s a long-term investment in the durability and value of the home. Builders that offer comprehensive termite prevention:
- Reduce liability for future infestations
- Enhance buyer confidence
- Speed up inspections and approvals
- Meet code and insurance requirements
For homeowners, having pre-installed termite protection can prevent future treatment costs that often run into the thousands.
🔚 Conclusion
Termite treatment in new construction is a proactive measure that offers peace of mind and protection against one of the most destructive pests in the building industry. From soil treatments and borate sprays to physical barriers and compliance with code, incorporating termite control early in the construction process saves money, prevents damage, and ensures long-term structural health.
Whether you’re a contractor building a subdivision or a family designing your forever home, don’t overlook this essential step in modern construction.
❓ FAQs: Termite Treatment in New Construction
1. Is termite treatment required in new construction?
Yes, in most termite-prone areas, building codes require termite treatment during the construction process.
2. When should termite treatment be done during construction?
Ideally, termite treatment should be done before pouring the slab, during framing (for wood treatment), and again before backfilling, if needed.
3. How long does a new construction termite treatment last?
Soil treatments typically last 5–10 years, while borate wood treatments can last for the life of the structure, depending on exposure and maintenance.
4. Can I do the termite treatment myself during construction?
No. Most building codes require that termite treatment be done by a licensed pest control professional and that documentation be submitted to the building department.
5. Are chemical treatments safe for families and pets?
When applied properly by certified professionals, modern termiticides are EPA-approved and safe once they have dried and settled.
6. Is termite treatment included in a new home’s warranty?
It depends on the builder. Some include warranties up to 5 years, while others may offer renewable service contracts from pest control companies.
7. What happens if I skip termite treatment during construction?
Skipping treatment may result in code violations, higher insurance rates, and increased risk of infestation and structural damage down the road.
8. Can termite treatment be added after construction?
Yes, but post-construction treatments are typically more expensive and may not be as effective as pre-construction solutions.
9. Which treatment method is best?
Soil treatment is most common, but in high-risk areas, combining methods (soil + borate or physical barriers) provides the best protection.
10. How do I verify if termite treatment was done in my new home?
Ask the builder or pest control company for a certificate of treatment and ensure the treatment was registered with local building authorities.
