If you’re planning to renovate or remodel your home, you’re probably excited about picking out new floors, cabinets, or paint colors. One thing that might not be on your radar is termite protection—but it absolutely should be. Construction or remodeling projects can inadvertently create new termite entry points or introduce fresh sources of wood and moisture.
Start with a Termite Inspection
Before you dive into your renovation, consider scheduling a professional termite inspection. Here’s why:
- Prevent Spreading Infestations: If termites are already in your home, tearing down walls or exposing wood can give them even more room to spread.
- Identify Vulnerable Areas: An inspection can reveal moisture issues, hidden damage, or structural weaknesses that are prime spots for termites.
- Plan Remediation Strategically: If you do have termites, you can incorporate treatment and repairs into your remodeling budget and timeline.
At Wake Pest, we often team up with homeowners and contractors to ensure that termite issues are addressed before the new drywall goes up.
Opt for Termite-Resistant Materials
When choosing materials for your remodel, think about more than just aesthetics:
- Pressure-Treated Lumber: This wood is treated with chemicals that repel termites, making it a great choice for framing or outdoor projects like decks.
- Borate Treatments: Wood treated with borates can deter termites and other wood-destroying organisms.
- Composite Materials: For decks, fences, or trim, consider composite or vinyl materials that aren’t edible to termites.
- Concrete, Metal, or Brick: Non-wood materials in foundations, support beams, or siding can reduce termite risk significantly.
While these products can be more expensive upfront, they often pay off in the long run by lowering the chances of termite damage.
Maintain Proper Ground Clearance
During remodeling, it’s easy for soil or landscaping to shift around your home’s perimeter. Be sure to maintain a clearance zone between ground level and the lowest wooden parts of your house. This usually means:
- 6 Inches Minimum: Keep at least 6 inches of space between soil and any wood siding or structural components.
- Watch for Grading Issues: Ensure the land slopes away from your home, so water doesn’t pool near the foundation.
- Check After Construction: Once the project wraps up, verify that there’s no extra dirt piled against your home’s exterior.
If you’re adding a new deck or porch, ensure that any wooden supports rest on concrete or metal footers, not directly on the soil.
Address Moisture at the Source
Termites thrive in damp environments. If your remodel involves kitchens, bathrooms, or basements, be extra vigilant about moisture control:
- Proper Ventilation: Install exhaust fans or vented windows to reduce humidity.
- Waterproof Materials: Use waterproof backer boards behind tiles and water-resistant drywall in areas prone to moisture.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Prevent water seepage by caulking joints, especially around tubs, sinks, and windows.
If you notice any leaks or standing water during construction, fix it immediately. Don’t wait until the remodel is done, because hidden moisture can attract termites behind walls or floors.
Incorporate an In-Slab or Soil Treatment
If you’re pouring new concrete foundations or slabs (for a room addition, garage, or patio), this is an ideal time to apply a pre-construction termite treatment. A liquid termiticide can be sprayed or injected into the soil before the concrete is poured, creating a lasting barrier that repels or kills termites.
For large-scale projects, this step is invaluable, as it’s much easier to treat open soil than to drill through concrete after the fact.
Install or Update Bait Stations
During your remodel, consider installing a network of termite bait stations around your home’s perimeter. These stations contain cellulose-based bait laced with a slow-acting toxin that foraging termites bring back to their colony. Here’s why it’s smart to do this mid-renovation:
- Early Detection: If termites come near your construction site, bait stations can catch them before they enter your home.
- Ongoing Protection: Many homeowners keep bait stations active long after renovations are done to provide continuous defense.
- Minimal Disruption: It’s often simpler to set up stations when your yard or landscaping is already being altered for the remodel.
Communicate with Your Contractor
Make termite prevention a conversation point. Ask your contractor or subcontractors about their plans for protecting against termites:
- Moisture Control Measures: Have they accounted for proper ventilation and sealing around new construction?
- Material Storage: Are they storing lumber off the ground and away from your home’s exterior?
- Waste Removal: Scrap wood, especially if it gets wet, can attract termites. Ensure waste is discarded promptly.
A reputable contractor should appreciate your proactive approach. After all, termite damage can reflect poorly on their work if it’s discovered down the road.
Post-Construction Inspection
Once the dust settles (literally) and your renovation or remodel is complete, schedule a final inspection with a pest control professional. We’ll:
- Check for any new termite entry points or vulnerabilities introduced by construction.
- Make sure no debris or scrap wood is left behind to attract termites.
- Confirm that moisture levels and ventilation are adequate in new or modified spaces.
This inspection serves as a safety net, ensuring that the extra time and money you invested in termite-proofing truly pays off.
Long-Term Maintenance
Even the best-laid plans can be undone by neglect. To keep termites from showing up after your remodel:
- Schedule Regular Inspections: At least annually, or twice a year if you’re in a high-risk area.
- Monitor for Leaks: Keep an eye on new plumbing fixtures, flooring, or rooflines for signs of water intrusion.
- Maintain Bait Stations: If you installed stations, ensure they’re checked and replenished as needed.
Wrapping Up
Renovations and remodeling projects offer a fantastic opportunity to fortify your home against termites. By using termite-resistant materials, maintaining proper soil clearance, controlling moisture, and applying pre-construction treatments, you can keep these destructive pests at bay.
At Wake Pest, we’ve partnered with countless Raleigh-area homeowners and contractors to ensure that their dream remodel doesn’t turn into a termite nightmare. If you have any questions or want a professional’s eye on your renovation plans, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help make your home not just beautiful, but termite-free for years to come.