Exclusion 101
A recent investigation by Pest Control Technology magazine researched all the expert estimates of termite damage across the United States. Estimates ranged from $1.5 billion to $22 billion per year. The variation is huge. But all agree that there is no more destructive pest. Link
In this part of the TERM website three things are covered:
How termites get inside is a subject that some have not thought about. Here are some interesting and useful insights.
Several years ago we did market research with building envelope consultants. We asked them to think about how they could help make buildings more sustainable by considering termites in building envelope work. We introduced the subject by saying: “Just like water and energy leaks, termites and other insects leak in through the building envelope. It is a natural part of building envelope design”.
Their response was mostly discouraging. “What do we have to do with that?” was a common answer.
The problem was that design community historically has considered termites as a job for the pest control operator.
Pest control operators play an important part with the TERM Barrier System. (See Pest Control Tab). However, most TERM Barriers are installed by different trades, such as waterproofing and framing contractors. Much of the TERM System falls within their areas of expertise, as they are familiar with these types of materials.
Because of the low level of initial interest by building envelope consultants we limited our efforts to planting seeds.
However, a recent workshop titled Durability, Termites & Moisture Control: Building Enclosure Design, put on by WoodWorks, The Wood Products Council. https://www.woodworks.org/ The event description included the following:
“Building enclosures are responsible for controlling heat flow, air flow, vapor flow and a number of other elements. In the Southern parts of the US, they are also essential for termite prevention.”
That has been encouraging.
Some pest control operators are wary of TERM. Perhaps they believe that if termite control is built into the structure, it would kill their termite control business.
We at TERM have no intent of destroying the termite control market. Our vision is to change the termite control market.
The photo at the right shows TERM Particle Barrier installed around the perimeter of a Florida building. TERM Particle Barrier blocks termites from climbing the exposed concrete perimeter. In many areas exposed perimeters are the number one termite entry point.
Today’s termite contracts call for regular inspection of a structure. If termites are found, some form of termiticide is used to eliminate them.
With TERM Particle Barrier installations, the pest control operator is still required to regularly inspect the building. This inspection is necessary because the particle barrier border around the perimeter can be disrupted by cats or dogs digging, landscape or construction activities, overgrowth, debris, mulch, children playing, or soil settlement.
Instead of a termiticide treatment, the PCO repairs the damaged stretch of protective particle barrier. Many customers will love the sustainability.