Build with Steel and Avoid Termiticides

WHY METAL BUILDINGS DO NOT NEED CHEMICAL TERMITE TREATMENTS

There are only two ways to avoid chemical termite treatments completely: build in Alaska or build with steel for termite proof construction.

Alaska is the only state free from termite problems.  (The frigid winters kill any termites that wander into the state.)

creepy termites much on wood with text that says "Build with Steel"And no termite can make a meal of steel.

Wood is Good—for Termites!

Termites feed on wood.  Building with wood extends an open dinner invitation to termites.

In lumber-framed structures, there are two ways to try to thwart termites.  The first means building with chemically treated wood.  The second method depends on periodic chemical treatments.

Pesticides developed to eliminate termites are called termiticides.

Brushing or spraying liquid termiticides on lumber protects it from termites—until it is exposed to flowing water.  Water releases the lumber’s termiticides, contaminating nearby surfaces.

Spraying termiticides onto the soil surrounding a building is the traditional termite treatment for existing buildings.  However, there are several drawbacks to termiticide sprays:

It is difficult to apply chemical sprays perfectly.

Determined termites find even the slightest break in the sprayed solution.  They breech the chemical barrier through the break and enter the structure.

A typical barrier termite treatment calls for the application of 150 gallons or more of chemicals.

If termites have already found their way inside, a barrier spray simply traps those termites in the building.

The composition of the local soil affects the initial effectiveness of the chemical treatment.

Termite Treatments Today

Older barrier treatments were more effective in killing termites than the chemicals used today.  However, they were dangerous to the environment, so manufacturers ceased production in 1987.

While today’s barrier termiticides are safer environmentally, they are sometimes misused.

photo of heavily wood damaged by termitesAbusing the safety the guidelines set by the EPA can be dangerous.  Consequently, the EPA does not recommend do-it-yourself termite spray application.  It is best to let a trained exterminator tackle your termite problems.

According to the EPA, “Many termiticides are highly toxic, making it critical to follow label directions with added care. Pest management professionals have the knowledge, expertise, and equipment as required by the label, which minimizes risks and maximizes effectiveness.”

Prolonged or chronic exposure to insecticides like termiticides can increase the risk of pancreases and liver problems, certain cancers, tremors, seizures, and fertility problems.  In addition, treatment poses additional risks for birds, wildlife, pets, and small children.  Consequently, you should consider all pesticides as potentially dangerous.

However, the EPA does require pesticide labels to warn users of the product’s hazard level.  “CAUTION” indicates termiticides with lower toxicity.  Moderately toxic insecticides carry a “WARNING.”  Pesticides with high toxicity are labeled with “DANGER.”

Although more expensive, termite baits may be a safer alternative to barrier termiticides.

However, in areas of the country where formidable Formosan and damp-wood termites dwell, fumigation may be the only effective treatment.

Inforgraphic detailing the dreadful damage caused by termites each year in the U.S.Build with Steel to Defeat Termites

Existing wood-framed structures require expensive termite protection and treatment.  However, you can avoid future termite troubles if you build with steel.  Pre-engineered metal buildings provide no organic material to attract the wood-eating beasties making them ideal for termite proof construction.

And when you build with steel, you eliminate an organic material for mold and mildew to feed on, too.

Do you have questions?  Just call RHINO now at 1.940.293.4952.  Let us tell you more of the reasons steel is the safest way to build.

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