Termites in New Construction: Causes, Prevention & Treatment
Termites are often thought of as a problem for older or poorly maintained buildings, but they can pose a serious threat to brand-new structures as well. In fact, termites in new construction can be more damaging because they may go unnoticed for years while silently compromising the building’s integrity from the ground up.
In this article, we explore how termites infiltrate newly built properties, why they’re a growing concern, how to prevent infestations during construction, and what treatments are most effective in protecting new homes and commercial buildings from termite damage.
🐜 Why Termites Target New Construction
Contrary to popular belief, termites are not attracted only to aging wood. New construction sites offer termites a fresh food source, abundant moisture, and direct access through disturbed soil. Here’s why new structures are at risk:
1. Soil Disturbance
- Construction disturbs termite colonies already present underground.
- Soil movement opens up new pathways for termites to reach wooden structures.
2. Wood-to-Soil Contact
- Sill plates, joists, and support beams in direct contact with soil create entry points.
- If untreated, termites can begin feeding immediately after construction is complete.
3. Moisture Buildup
- Improper drainage, lack of vapor barriers, or poor site grading can cause excess moisture, attracting termites.
- Newly poured concrete slabs often trap moisture below and around foundations.
4. Lack of Pretreatment
- If no termite prevention is applied during construction, the structure is vulnerable from day one.
- Many builders skip or minimize treatment due to budget or scheduling pressures.
🧱 How Termites Enter New Structures
Termites can invade new buildings through several common access points:
- Cracks in foundation slabs
- Expansion joints and utility penetrations
- Gaps in brick veneers or siding
- Wooden forms left behind in the soil
- Untreated wood in crawlspaces or basements
Once inside, they can tunnel through walls, floors, and support structures without being visible from the outside.
🔍 Early Signs of Termites in New Construction
Detecting termites in a new home can be challenging, but here are signs to look for:
- Mud tubes along foundations or walls
- Blistered paint or bulging drywall
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Swarming termites near windows or doors
- Discarded wings near entry points
Regular inspections by a licensed pest control expert are essential—even for homes less than a year old.
🔧 Preventive Measures During Construction
To prevent termites from infesting new construction, several proactive steps must be taken:
1. Soil Termiticide Treatment
- Apply a liquid termiticide to the soil before pouring the slab or setting footings.
- This creates a chemical barrier that repels or kills termites.
2. Borate Wood Treatment
- Spray or brush a borate solution onto framing lumber and sill plates.
- Prevents termites from consuming treated wood.
3. Physical Barriers
- Use metal termite shields, sand barriers, or stainless steel mesh in foundations to physically block entry.
4. Proper Grading and Drainage
- Ensure water flows away from the foundation.
- Use vapor barriers to control moisture levels under slabs or in crawlspaces.
5. Avoid Wood-to-Ground Contact
- Maintain clearance between soil and wood siding, decks, or supports.
- Remove any wooden construction debris after the build.
📋 Table: Key Prevention Strategies for Termites in New Construction
| Prevention Method | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Termiticide | Liquid chemical barrier under foundation | Kills or repels subterranean termites |
| Borate Wood Treatment | Borate-based spray on wood framing | Prevents wood from becoming termite food |
| Physical Barriers | Stainless mesh or termite shields at entry points | No-chemical, long-term protection |
| Drainage Design | Site graded to direct water away from structure | Reduces moisture, a key termite attractor |
| Proper Clearance | No wood-to-soil contact or buried lumber | Eliminates direct termite paths |
🧪 Common Chemicals Used for Termite Protection
| Product Name | Type | Active Ingredient | Estimated Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Termidor SC | Soil Treatment | Fipronil | 8–10 years |
| Premise 75 | Soil Treatment | Imidacloprid | 5–7 years |
| Bora-Care | Wood Treatment | Disodium Octaborate | Lifetime (if dry) |
| Altriset | Soil Treatment | Chlorantraniliprole | 7+ years |
💰 Cost of Termite Prevention in New Construction
| Treatment Type | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Soil Termiticide Treatment | $300 – $700 |
| Borate Wood Spray | $400 – $800 |
| Physical Barriers | $500 – $1,500+ |
| Combo System (All Methods) | $800 – $2,000+ |
The cost of prevention is significantly lower than repairing termite damage, which can reach $3,000 to $10,000 or more per structure.
📜 Termite Codes & Compliance
Most U.S. regions with termite activity require new buildings to undergo termite protection during construction. Building codes may reference:
- IRC (International Residential Code) Section R318.1
- State and local amendments mandating treatment
- EPA regulations on registered termiticides
Builders must provide proof of treatment, and inspections often occur before occupancy permits are granted.
🧠 Long-Term Benefits of Termite Protection in New Homes
- Code Compliance: Meets local building and safety regulations
- Cost Efficiency: Avoids expensive structural repairs later
- Real Estate Value: Increases resale value and buyer confidence
- Warranty Access: Many termite treatments come with 5–10 year warranties
- Peace of Mind: Ensures occupants feel secure from pest threats
🛠️ Best Practices for Builders and Homeowners
For Builders:
- Always include termite treatment in construction planning.
- Use licensed pest control professionals only.
- Provide homeowners with warranty documents and treatment certificates.
For Homeowners:
- Schedule annual termite inspections.
- Avoid planting or stacking wood near the foundation.
- Maintain good drainage and reduce moisture retention near the building.
📊 Summary Table: Risk & Response Overview
| Construction Factor | Risk Level | Recommended Response |
|---|---|---|
| Soil disturbance | High | Soil treatment before slab pour |
| Wood framing | Medium | Borate spray on all exposed wood |
| Moisture accumulation | High | Drainage planning and vapor barriers |
| Lack of chemical barriers | High | Use termiticides or physical barriers |
| No maintenance post-construction | High | Annual inspection and debris clearance |
❓ FAQs: Termites in New Construction
1. Can termites infest a brand-new house?
Yes. Termites can attack new homes if proper preventive measures aren’t taken during construction.
2. How soon can termites appear after construction?
Infestations can begin within months, especially in areas with high termite activity and poor soil treatment.
3. Is termite treatment required for new construction?
In most U.S. regions, yes. Local building codes often mandate termite pretreatment before occupancy.
4. What is the most effective way to prevent termites in new construction?
A combination of soil termiticide and borate wood treatment offers the best protection.
5. How long does termite protection last?
Depending on the product, soil treatments can last 5–10 years, while wood treatments can last indefinitely if kept dry.
6. Are physical termite barriers effective?
Yes. They can be highly effective but are usually used in combination with chemical treatments for full coverage.
7. What if I skipped termite treatment during construction?
You’ll need a post-construction termite treatment, which is more invasive, more expensive, and less effective than pretreatment.
8. How much does termite damage cost to repair?
Minor damage may cost a few hundred dollars, while severe infestations can cost $10,000 or more to repair.
9. Are termite treatments safe for families and pets?
Yes. EPA-registered termiticides, when professionally applied, are safe once dried.
10. Should I get a termite warranty with my new home?
Absolutely. A termite warranty offers retreatment guarantees and peace of mind and is a valuable addition for any homeowner.
By incorporating comprehensive termite prevention strategies during construction, builders and homeowners can ensure that the structure stands strong for generations to come—protected from one of nature’s most destructive pests.
