Question: I've heard that there is something that can be done before a
house is built to help prevent future termite problems. I am going to be
building a home in Palos Park IL and wanted to know if there's anything
you would recommend.
ANSWER Treating houses during construction, when the foundation and the soil and/or gravel that forms the bed of future concrete slabs are exposed, is the best time to protect against subterranean termites. The foundation block and the footing for the block or poured concrete wall are treated on the outside and inside. Sometimes the wood sill plate and joists for the flooring are treated (usually with a different insecticide).
This treatment is called 'pretreatment' by pest control operators and is done routinely. It will need scheduling in advance. There may be a second treatment when the foundation has been back-filled and the final soil grading has been made. It is best for a professional company to do this treating, since it requires special application equipment and a large quantity of liquid termiticide.
