Often new homes are treated for the prevention of subterranean termites while under construction. The purpose of the treatment is to create a barrier between the ground where termites originate and the treated structure. Treating the soil to repel termites is commonly referred to as a "pre-treat."

What are termites? They are highly social insects. These insects may live by the millions on one acre of property. When you build a structure on that property, you are providing a readily available meal for them because termites eat anything containing cellulose or wood fibers. They enter a structure through cracks in the slab and foundation and search for food – your wood frame. They chew the wood and microorganisms within their stomach process the food. Pest management companies keep termites away from wood by initial chemical applications and scheduled follow-up monitoring.

But is it really necessary that a new home be treated for termites? The answer is "yes"

A home is one of the most important investments individuals make in life. No one wants to see their largest investment damaged by termites. More importantly, termites do not differentiate between old and new houses.

It is hard to imagine that such tiny insects can cause significant damage. Because subterranean termites have survived for millions of years, they have effectively adapted to their environment, ensuring their survival. If you live in the south long enough, you will experience some contact with termites. The further south you go, the bigger the threat. Tennessee and Georgia are both considered high pressure areas for termite activity. It makes sense to protect homes from termites and to protect them immediately beginning at the initial construction stage. Termites do more damage than wind, fires, hurricanes, or earthquakes combined.

At what point during its construction should a new house be "pre-treated?" That depends on the type of foundation. Most homes in our region are built on either conventional foundations (block and pier) or have basements. While you see the occasional solid concrete slab foundation, it is usually found on commercial projects.

Conventional foundations are treated with a liquid barrier under footers, inside block walls, under attached porches, and around the foundation after the final back-fill has been made. Basement treatments normally include treatment to the fill area or floor just prior to the concrete pour. Another treatment is then made once the house is finished and the back-fill is completed.

The liquid barriers should be applied before concrete is poured and before any plastic barriers are used. Also the weather should be clear and dry during and following the treatment. Treatments should not be made in the rain or if rain is expected within four to five hours. The liquid chemical barrier needs to have a good contact with the soil and foundation.

A post construction treatment can be made but at a much higher expense, so it is important to pre-treat the home during construction. Commercial buildings should be treated even if they are primarily constructed from concrete and steel. These buildings have sheet rock and wood trim that must be protected from termites. All outbuildings like storage buildings and pool houses that contain wood building products also need treatment.

As a builder, you should understand the pre-treatment process so you can be sure your construction project gets the most effective initial treatment possible. Several key issues contribute to achieving the best results. First, construction techniques and products used on housing structures can contribute to a termite infestation. Poor grading of the lot causes a moisture situation, making the area conducive to termites or resulting in rot damage that attracts termites and other wood destroying organisms like beetles and fungus. Moist wood is easier for termites to eat. Wood siding or wood supports in direct contact with the soil attract termites. The use of pressure treated lumber can minimize or prolong attacks from termites but pressure treated lumber is no guarantee against termites. Termites can build their mud tubes through cracks in pressure treated wood or even around the wood. Even metal shields sitting on top of block foundations do not slow down termites; they just build their mud shelter tubes around the shields.

Synthetic stucco (EIFS) housing can also be conducive to termites if the material is not properly installed. This product should have a minimum ground clearance of 8" to 12" inches. The correct caulking material should be properly applied to windows and doors to minimize moisture. Many pest management companies refuse to treat structures with synthetic stucco construction.

It is important to ensure no wood debris or cellulose materials are in the construction area. When debris from construction is left under homes, it attracts termites. Also be sure your pest management company performs the backfill treatment. Insist your pest management company post the proper signage to verify that treatment has occurred – for the benefit of you as well as the homebuyer. Homes financed by FHA and VA loans are provided with a one-year termite-free guarantee.

Your pest management company should also provide two supporting documents for closing on the sale of the home -- a "Subterranean Termite Treatment Builder’s Certification Guarantee" and a contract or warranty. In addition, information about the pest management is typically provided for the buyer. Normally, the new homeowner will continue yearly monitoring of the home for termite activity under the terms of the warranty.

All pest management companies in Tennessee and Georgia are required to be licensed and insured. Tennessee also required bonding. The license holder and technicians are required to attend training seminars and to maintain certification in termite and pest management service categories. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to ask about credentials when anyone performs pre-treatment services for you. Tanks, chemicals, and service vehicles should be labeled and employees should have proper identification.