Termites can be more than a nuisance. They can be an outright threat to the structural integrity of your home. If you are building a new home, then you are in luck! This is the perfect time to engage in some termite control tactics to hopefully protect your new home in the years to come. So how do you go about executing termite control in a new build?

1. Have the soil pre-treated.

Subterranean termites, the type that causes the most destruction, live within the soil. If they are popular in your area, they may already be living in the soil that will soon surround your home's foundation. When this is the case, it does not take long for them to move into the home itself. You can help prevent a subterranean termite infestation by having the soil around your building site treated with insecticides before construction even starts. Most pest control companies that offer termite control services can provide this service.

2. Put out some bait stations.

Before construction is due to commence, have a pest control company put out some bait stations surrounding the building site. If you have treated the soil well, these stations should attract few termites. But the termites that are attracted will eat the bait, take it back to their nest, and kill any other stragglers. It's a good idea to then leave the bait stations in place as the builders work. They will attract any termites that are disturbed by the construction so those bugs don't later invade your home.

3. Use treated wood.

When choosing wood for your new home, look for wood that has been treated with borate. This substance will help repel termites and decrease your chances of an infestation. You can find borate-treated pine, maple, oak, and other common woods. Some builders prefer to instead buy untreated wood and apply the borate solution on-site. Talk to your builder to see which approach they prefer — but make sure that one way or another, your wood gets treated with borate.

4. Don't have wood in direct contact with the soil.

Work with your builder on the home design to minimize the amount of wood that is placed close to the soil. No wood should be in direct contact with the soil; the foundation and footing should be made from concrete or stone. Keeping the wood away from the soil will keep it dry, helping to prevent rot in the coming years. Termites are less interested in dry, healthy wood.