Maryland is geographically located in area with high termite populations. Termites are destructive when a civil penalty of $2,500 for a first violation and $5,000 for each subsequent or repeat violation. It is important for builders and PMP's to communicate effectively for a proper pre-treat to occur.
they infest a home or building, often damaging structural components such as walls and floor joists, sill plates and flooring. Their movement may be concealed by tunnels and wall voids, and serious structural damage can often occur before a termite infestation is discovered.
Termite prevention is key to avoiding costly structural repairs and replacement costs. Most structures in Maryland are treated against termite infestations during the initial construction process. These preventative termite treatments are commonly referred to as pre-treatments or “pre-treats.”
A pre-treat is intended to create a uniform barrier of termiticide between termites in the soil and wooden components of the building. To ensure a uniform barrier, termiticide labels prescribe the volume, concentration and locations for the application of the termiticide. This means relatively large volumes of termiticide solution are needed to adequately treat the soil in and around the foundation walls, support piers and soil areas to be covered with concrete (slab areas). It is a violation of State and Federal Pesticide Laws to apply termiticides at concentrations or volumes less than label prescribed rates. Violation of Maryland's Pesticide Applicator's Law can result in suspension or cancellation of the Pest Management Professional's (PMP) license and/or
The cost of termite pre-treatments have risen considerably over the last 20 years due to an increase in the price of chemicals, labor, fuel, vehicle maintenance, equipment, office overhead, insurance, employee salaries and benefits. Treating a 20' x 40' house can cost $300 to $500 in chemical costs alone. Cost can also vary depending on the type of foundation, construction materials and structural elements.
There are two basic forms of construction with specific pre-treat instructions:
Poured Slab - a proper termite pre-treatment requires the PMP to make a minimum of two, sometimes three, trips to the job site. All termiticide labels require the application of one gallon of dilute termiticide per 10 square feet of slab area. If the fill is gravel or other coarse aggregate, additional termiticide is required. Additional termiticide is also required if there are bath traps or other openings in the slab.
Pre-treats include structures built adjacent to the foundation, such as porches and patios. Ideally, the builder should notify the PMP before any additions are poured and after final backfill is completed. If additions are not treated prior to pouring, the slab area should be drilled adjacent to the foundation and treated when the perimeter is treated.
Recommended Treatment For Poured Slab Construction With Surrounding Block Wall and One Foot Interior Fill
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Treat soil under expansion joint of rear attached porch slab before additional concrete is poured. 24 feet treated at 4 gallons per 10 linear feet = 9.6 gallons (approximately 10 gallons).
Note: This area may also be treated on trip 3, but the attached slab would have to be drilled to allow the chemical to be applied in the proper location.
Treat soil adjacent to the outside foundation wall. This should be done after all sod and landscaping activities are complete. $ 20+30+26+40+20+10+10+20 = 176 $ linear feet treat at 4 gallons per 10 linear feet = 70.4 gallons.
Crawlspace and/or Basement Foundations - A proper termite pre-treat of a crawlspace or basement home requires the placement of a continuous chemical barrier on both sides of the foundation (to the top of the footer or to a minimum of 4' depth). The application rate is calculated as 4 gallons per 10 linear feet. If the foundation is made of hollow blocks, an additional 2 gallons per 10 linear feet is added. Other structural elements of the building must also receive treatment in the soil surrounding them (support piers, sewer lines, plumbing and other utilities).
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