Pre-Construction Treatment for Wood Destroying Insects
In Tennessee, pre-construction treatments for Wood-Destroying Insects (WDI) are required by law. Because WDIs eat constantly, they damage structures every day that they go undetected. If purchasing a new home, you should expect as part of this treatment, that contractors and builders will:
- Limit wood-to-soil contact by supporting wood with a concrete base.
- Use pressure-treated wood if wood must touch soil. Tennessee law requires this.
- Not bury cellulose materials (e.g. termite food sources like wood) at the building site, including in crawl spaces or underneath front porches.
- Create proper drainage by directing water away from the foundation.
- Provide adequate ventilation in crawl spaces to help reduce moisture build-up.
- Keep a space of at least 18 inches between ground and wood to avoid soil contact.
- Install siding at least six inches above the soil to reduce entry points.
Termite control starts with the builder
In areas where subterranean termite damage is common, builders may incorporate termite prevention and control methods. Builders may regularly use the following techniques:
- Proactively treat the layer of soil beneath a home with a residual termiticide which is often applied to soil before building slabs are poured.
- Install stainless steel mesh barriers or termite shields around the foundation and utility openings to help block entry points.
- Install termite bait and monitoring systems so that technicians can monitor WDI activity.
- Use wood-applied termiticide treatments.
The treatment report and invoice
When Ark Pest Control & Prevention has completed the pre-construction WDI treatment, the builder is sent a treatment report and invoice. The report is a new-construction termite service record that shows the property information, dates the treatment was performed, and what type of treatment was applied. This paperwork is sent to the builder’s business address. The proof of treatment is good until closing. No other letter/inspection is required for the lender.