Termites are a serious problem throughout much of the US. In the Southeast, Hawaii, and California, termite problems are serious. It would make a lot of sense to build or remodel our homes in ways that prevent termites instead of waiting until we have a termite problem and then working hard to eliminate the problem. This article will look at a number of techniques and materials that will help prevent termites from becoming a problem.
The first thing to understand is that termites need food and water to survive. If we can build or remodel our homes in ways that deny termites access to food and water, the threat will be dramatically reduced. While that sounds simple, the devil is in the details. The 3 basic steps in preventive construction are:
1) a good preventive design that includes a series of techniques,
2) the use of termite-resistant building materials, and
3) installation of barriers to prevent the access of termites.
Preventive design involves keeping the structure dry, controlling moisture in and around the structure, and facilitating inspection for termites. Research shows that most infestations begin with wood contacting the ground. Good design will prevent contact of the wood with the ground. The next thing is to avoid moisture problems. Damp wood is a termite magnet. Make sure the ground slopes away from the house. Reduce humidity in narrow spaces. Design access panels for high-risk areas, such as where plumbing penetrates the structure.
Termite resistant building materials are an important part of the termite prevention puzzle. Options include using steel framing instead of wood, treated lumber, or naturally strong woods such as cypress heartwood. A newer option is plastic or composite lumber. These are made from 100% recycled plastic or plastic mixed with wood fiber waste like sawdust. There are several grades available. One way to improve the termite resistance of existing wood is to paint or spray with a preventative borate solution. This is a great option if you are replacing or installing new drywall so that the studs are fully exposed. Borates penetrate the wood, do not break down over time, and last a long time.
In the US, chemical barriers are widely used and quite effective. Physical barriers for subterranean termites consist of stainless steel mesh and sand or crushed stone. Formosan termites can squeeze through cracks as small as 1.4mm or 0.055 wide. A proven solution is stainless steel mesh. This mesh is a bit expensive and its usefulness depends entirely on its correct installation. Another solution that can work in certain places is crushed stone or sand. The particle size is critical. Particle size should be adjusted for the specific termite in the area. If there is more than one subterranean termite in the area, this solution will not work.
Physical barriers to drywood termites mean that the structure must be completely sealed. Once the remodel is complete, use caulking and expanding foam to seal every little crack and crevice. Leaving only a small opening means termites have access to your home. Eventually one of them will come in and start a colony.
The safest approach to termite remodeling is to employ all possible techniques and technologies. The reality, however, imposes limits in terms of time and money. Choose the most effective methods and materials first. You want to get the most out of your money. Eliminates wood contact with the ground. Angle the ground away from the structure. Add access panels. Spray a borate solution on exposed wood. Use termite-resistant building materials. Completely seal the remodeling project. And get a termite inspection once a year. Different states have different codes and different laws. Always consult construction and pest control professionals before implementing the above ideas.
