Protect your Home from the Ground Up

Pest Control During New Construction

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Many people assume that if they purchase a newly constructed home, they don’t need pest control services, but actually new houses can be just as susceptible to pests as older homes. 

New homes are not built in a clean, factory environment. Many materials used in home construction are stored in open, often damp, conditions prior to and during construction and may already be infested with insects even before the frame goes up. During home construction is the best time to consider pest control treatments. The process is significantly more effective when started before plumbing and floors are installed, walls are painted, and furniture moved in, especially when you’re talking about termites. 

“When a home is being built, we can do a pre-treatment,” says Robert Soileau, Lake Charles branch manager at J&J Exterminating. “We can treat the dirt under the home before the slab is poured, which provides protection underneath your home. Otherwise, if we wait until after the home is built, we can only treat around the perimeter of the home. We can also treat all the plumbing and slab protrusions, for example, electrical, before walls are put up.” 

For pests other than termites, construction is the best time to deal with them, as well. “As the home is being framed, we can treat areas before the walls go up so when rodents and insects such as ants, spiders, and roaches get inside, there is already something in place that can take care of the problem,” adds Soileau. “During construction, we have access to areas we won’t have access to later on after the home is completed. Once the home is built, there are areas we can’t get to without opening walls or plumbing areas.” 

Consider treated attic insulation. 

A service called TAP (Thermal Acoustical Pest Control) is one of the best defenses against termites and it, too, is more easily installed during home construction. This newer attic insulation is energy-efficient AND repels bugs. Soileau says TAP insulation – a loose-fill insulation made of cellulose and recycled newspaper – is affordable, soundproof, energy-efficient and fire retardant. “It also provides better protection against cold and heat – and insects.”

TAP is infused with boric acid that will kill all insects. This is an especially important line of defense for our area where we deal with Formosan termites that can enter the home through any crack or crevice when they are swarming in the spring. It is the only pest control product with an Energy Star Rating. Properly insulating your attic can reduce your heating and cooling bills by up to 30 percent. “Upgrading your insulation also adds value to your home,” Soileau advises.

Establishing a proactive pest control service in your home while it is under construction will help prevent your home from experiencing an insect or pest infestation. Need more incentive? Soileau says treating your home during the construction phase gives you more protection in terms of the warranty, as well.

For more information, call J&J Exterminating 

at 337-435-2878 or see their website, 

www.jjext.com/locations/lake-charles-pest-control.