New Mexico is geographically located in an area with moderate termite populations. As we all know termites can be quite destructive when they actually make it into a home or building. Our two major species of termites here in New Mexico is the Arid Land Subterranean Termite, and the Eastern Subterranean Termite. Both can be quite destructive, and prevention is the key for keeping them out of your property.
Most structures in New Mexico are treated during the initial construction process. These preventative 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 cellulous or wooden components in the building. It is applied to the soil just before the builder pours the slab. Applications are typically made to areas under slabs, alongside the interior and exterior foundation walls, and around plumbing and other service utilities that will penetrate the slab. Pre-treats also include structures built adjacent to the foundation, such as patios, porches, and sidewalks. The builder should notify us before any patios or additions are built.
If you are currently building, or planning on building a new home or building, we invite you to call us in reference to the termite pretreatment process. Or, if you are a builder, contractor, or architect, call us and explore your options.
Get A QuoteWhether it be traditional soil pre-treats with a termiticide such as Termidor, or direct wood treatments, ABC can help you achieve a goal that is both economical and environmentally friendly.
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In addition to soil pre-treats, we also offer the use of borates to pre-treat a new structure. Sodium borate- a mineral as old as the earth itself, has been mined for over a hundred years and used in a variety of products from laundry detergents to fiberglass to face creams. And guess what… borates completely protect lumber from wood destroying insects. Borate treated wood is both toxic and repellent to termites, thus offering a unique alternative to more traditional soil poisons.
Borate treatments are gaining popularity for several reasons. One, they are economical and simple to do. All you have to do is apply a two foot wide barrier to all exposed wood on the lower portions of the structure. The borate diffuses into the wood, making the pretreatment effective for as long as the wood remains in service. If you would like more information on pre-treats please call us and we will be happy to answer your questions—provide you a cost estimate over the phone—or come out to your job site and give you a written quotation. To reach us at ABC, email us or call us at 505-294-6601.
Formulated with a concern for the environment, borates are used for the interior and exterior control of subterranean termites, drywood termites, Formosan termites, wood destroying beetles and decay fungi. Over ten years of efficacy studies prove wood destroying organisms cannot develop resistance against borates. They are accepted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a primary tool against termites in new home construction. It’s specifically listed by the International Building Codes as a suitable alternative to soil treatments.