How Does The Government Protect New Homes From Subterranean Termite Attacks In Arizona?
Subterranean termites inflict more property destruction than drywood and dampwood termites in all US states. While two drywood termite species, the dark and light western drywood termites, are economically significant pests of structural wood in Arizona, arid-land and desert subterranean termites are both responsible for the majority of damaging infestations discovered in Arizona homes annually. Unlike drywood and dampwood termites, subterranean termite colonies are located beneath the ground where workers tunnel through soil in search of cellulose-rich food sources, such as dead roots, stumps, sticks, and other forms of fibrous plant matter. In Arizona where suburban developments continue to expand onto open areas of desert land where subterranean termites are abundant, protecting homes from infestations is a must, and a legal requirement.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Veterans Administration of Housing and Urban Development (VA HUD), and state and local laws in Arizona require new homes to undergo preventative termite soil treatments before and/or during construction. Only properly licensed pest control professionals are legally allowed to apply termiticide barrier treatments to soil on properties where homes will be built. State regulation requires pest control companies to control any subterranean termite pest issues that may occur on the properties that they had pretreated for a period of three years following the initial soil termiticide application. If the owners of a new Arizona home wish to have an additional structure built onto their home, such as another room, a patio, or any project that disturbs the soil or involves cutting into the concrete slab, the owners must first notify the pest control company that pre-treated the home. If the owners of an Arizona home experience subterranean termite pest issues on their property within the three year time frame following the initial pre-treatment, they can contact the company that performed the pre-treatment for additional services. If homeowners do not know which pest control company pre-treated their property, the home’s builder or general contractor can provide the necessary information.
Have you ever experienced subterranean termite pest issues after moving into a fairly new home?
