Preventing Termites
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There is no absolute way
to prevent termites from invading a structure
during its existence. Pre-construction treatment is the
best way to help prevent termites and is
less expensive than treating an existing structure. Unfortunately
this is not an option if your home or office is already
built. Existing homes can be treated as a preventative measure,
however, this is not something we recommend. If your home
does not have termites Metro Guard
recommends you take the following steps:
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Remove wood debris from around home
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Repair any plumbing leaks
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Wood siding or sheds should not touch
ground
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Grading around home should direct
water away
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Eliminate standing water near home
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A/C condensation should drain away
from home
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No firewood near home - keep off
ground
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Keep soil line and landscape beds
3" below foundation top
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Repair leaking outdoor faucets
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Keep plants & vines 6"-12"
from home
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Dryer should vent away from home
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Remove dead trees near home
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Sprinkler systems should not water
against house
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New homes are susceptible to termites the same as existing
homes.
- Items above will also help prevent hundreds of other insects
from being attracted to your home.
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| Two of the keys from the above list are moisture
and wood. Termites seek out moist soils looking
for cellulose. In addition, you want to keep your visibility
clear around the foundation so that you can spot termite mud
tubes or other signs of problems. |
Pre-Construction
Termite Treatments are the best way to prevent
termites from infesting your new home or
any additions you add later. It is most effective because
the soil under the planned foundation (in DFW it is typically
a slab foundation) is treated with termiticide just before
the home or addition is built. Because the foundation is
not yet poured, the applicator can be certain that the proper
amount of termiticide is being applied to all the soil under
and around the planned foundation area. existing infestation. |
The result is a continuous
treated area under the entire foundation or addition. After
the construction is finished and the final grade is completed,
the applicator should return to treat around the structure
(all treatments must comply with the label on the particular
product used). Because there is less labor involved
with a Pre-Construction treatment, most companies will charge
you significantly less than you would pay for a Post
Construction treatment. In addition, you may decide
to use a less expensive termiticide since you can be confident
that you will have complete coverage of the treated area
and you are not trying to fight an existing infestation.
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Termites
are very common in home additions because of the seam between
the new and old foundations. Pre-treating any first floor
addition is highly recommended because it is effective and
it is typically very low in cost.
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One of the difficulties
of Pre-Construction treatments is that the timing must be
coordinated with the builder. Many times the builder is
not exactly sure when he will pour the slab so you will
need a Pest Control company that can work with schedule
changes. |
If you are building a new
home have the builder agree to remove wood debris (and paper
garbage) from around the home before they grade for landscaping
and drainage. Many homes have wood debris buried around
the house which is a conducive condition for termites. New
homes are susceptible to termites the same as existing homes.
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If you are planning to
build a new home or adding on to your existing home, Metro
Guard would be happy to discuss pre-construction
termite treatments with you. Our technicians can answer
any questions you may have. |
Got
Bugs? |
Tarrant
Metro 817-572-3995 |
Dallas
Metro 972-484-3995
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