How long does a termite ground treatment last?

Most termite ground treatments remain effective for 10 years or more, depending on the chemical used, although a few are only good for about 5 years. Soil treatments can be applied in the entire area under a home before construction or as a perimeter or spot treatment later on. 

    Evenly spaced and capped drill holes in any concrete slabs that abut the walls of the home, like in the photo below, are one indication that a perimeter ground treatment has been done.

    Termite protection is required by the Florida Building Codefor for all new homes, or any addition to a home, at the time of construction. Ground treatment is one type of approved termite protection, but bait stations or a borate treatment in the walls near ground level are also acceptable. To learn more, go to our blog posts What are the building code requirements for making a house termite resistant? and What are the green plastic discs in the ground around the house? and Is a borate treatment effective for termite prevention? and How long does Bora-Care® last? 

    The photo at the top of this page shows a notice that must be posted at the home, usually on the door of the electric panel, stating what treatment was done and when. In this case, the treatment was a brand of borate at the base of the walls, but typical soil treatment chemicals would have brand names such as Premise or Termidor. 

    Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components. To understand the basis, potential use, and limitations of lifespan ratings, see our blog post How accurate are the average life expectancy ratings of home components? Are they actually useful? 

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To learn more about termites, see these other blog posts:

• Should I be worried about termites if my neighbor's house is being tented?

• Is the WDO (termite) inspector allowed to poke holes in my wood siding and trim? 

• Do carpenter ants cause structural damage to houses in Florida?

• How long before closing can you have a WDO (termite) inspection done? 

• Why is it a mistake to store lumber in the crawl space under a house?

• Does the presence of carpenter ants in a house indicate that there are probably also termites? 

• How do termites infest a house and remain hidden while doing major damage?

• Are homes in Florida required to have termite protection? 

• If termite damage appears to be old, does that mean that termites may no longer be present?

• How do I know if my WDO/termite report is "clear"? 

• When do termites swarm in Florida?

• Does a recent termite company inspection sticker mean there are no termites? 

• Can a mobile/manufactured home get termites?

• Do I have to tent the house if I have termites? 

• What is the difference between a subterranean termite and a drywood termite? 

• What is a termite shield?

• How do termites get into a concrete block house? 

• Do termites eat concrete?

• What is a clean WDO?  

• What do termites eat?

• How do I treat wood rot  that's listed in my termite-WDO report? 

• Do I really need a termite-WDO inspection? 

• What's causing those holes in the fascia?

• Does wood chip mulch in the yard attract termites?

• I think I have termites. What does a termite look like?

• I'm buying a concrete block house. Do I still need a termite inspection? 

• I saw a little termite damage on the baseboard. Should I be concerned?

   Visit our TERMITES, WOOD ROT AND PESTS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.  

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMade, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.