1. When the building is dried in, we spray the complete frame structure, not just two feet up the exterior wall. This includes the complete structure from the ridge to the base plates. This treatment exceeds SBCCI Guidelines and is approved by FHA-HUD for termite treatment. This solution penetrates into the wood and is there as long as the wood is in service unless it is exposed to running water.
I guarantee the treatment for 5 years against infestation of subterranean termites* this guarantee is to cover re-treatment of infested areas for termites; no property/medical or related damage(s). This borate treated wood will not sustain wood rot,fungus or mildew.

2. Exotic woods ; floors, stair cases, cabinets, etc; mesquite, pecan, barn wood, and a multitude of unique decorative woods. Do not finish these woods until they have been sprayed with borate solution, the sub floor too. They bring a multitude of wood destroying insects, organisms and fungi. Borate solution will penetrate the wood and stop further problems. You don't want wood destroying beetles flying around in your new home infesting other woods and furniture. 

3. When the building structure is complete, the attic should be power dusted with diatomaceous earth. It is common for scorpions to be found in a new building or residence in the Texas Hill Country. Power dusting with diatomaceous will discourage insects such as these from entering the attic, then entering the building. Please call me to let me know that the building is ready for occupancy. 

4. Do not use any mulch other than cedar, other mulches will encourage the growth of fungi and provide harborage for insects. Cedar mulch will kill insects and fungi. If you do use cedar mulch, you need to replace the nitrogen that it removes from the soil. I also need to spray under the eaves of the building with borate/cedar oil to discourage spider infestation. This should be done inside as well. 

5. On Pier & beam foundations the beams should be sprayed with our borate insecticide/fungicide. The ground should also be sprayed to kill any fungi that will be there. This is an excellent treatment for existing pier and beam homes, either as a preventative or corrective treatment.

· PLEASE CALL or e-mail ESP for information on our extended warranty and service agreement. 

· As to other companies using conventional termiticides and their warranty.

· See http://www.5star-termite.com/ctPersistence.htm

· http://durable-wood.com/pdfs/borate-eng1oct02.pdf

· http://www.nisuscorp.com/pdfs/bigbuilders.pdf (The treatment described on this link is only a partial treatment, ESP's treatment is a complete treatment, wherein the borate saturates to the center of four- two by sixes dry wall screwed together in ten weeks.)

There are some people who would have you put sand around the pipes as they come through the slab. Can you imagine what the concrete crews will do to the fragile hardware cloth baskets that the sand is in? Also there are others that would have you epoxy (what will this do to a MCS person) a stainless steel mesh at the slab penetrations and around the edge of the slab. If you think that either are practical. You will have to bear in mind that I am looking at either procedure with over 30 years of pest control experience. 
* Installing permanent ceramic magnets on the water lines inside the walls will eliminate the need for a polluting salt ion water conditioner. I have generic magnets that are much stronger than the multi-level magnets that are normally available and also considerably less expensive.

I am prepared to provide the above services within the State of Texas, with offices in San Marcos/Wimberley and Houston. I will act as a consultant to pest control operators outside the state. If you go with the above procedures, your building will relatively pest free, particularly of crawling insects. Architect's Specifications for Termite Treatment Please call or E-mail me if you would like some of my brochures, I will be happy to mail or bring them by your office. 
I welcome an opportunity to visit with you and your staff at your convenience.

http://www.pittbuilding.com/ :: http://kps-construction.com/ :: BrinkmanConstruction.com

Mike Wills Architect (512) 396 5829

• Avoid chemical treatments for insects, termites, etc. They don't last and can possibly lead to occupant health problems or contamination of underlying ground water. Instead, consider sand barriers or stainless steel screen barriers in and around the foundation for termite control. The costs for these systems average about one and a half the cost of standard chemical treatments, but they are a permanent solution, whereas chemical need to be reapplied about every five years.
• Consider spraying the frame of the structure with a product like boric acid for pesticide-a natural brine solution that makes the entire frame insect resistant. Product and application costs about 25 cents per square foot.
• Use low VOC (volatile organic compounds) latex paints on the interior. Most major paint manufacturers now offer such a line.
• Air out carpeting for a day or two prior to installation. Unroll it in the garage and let it breath.
• Install exhaust fans in laundry rooms and other places where humidity levels can rise due to the activity in the space. Install timer switches on all fans, preferably the electronic ones that are quiet and reasonably priced.

And last, but certainly not least, educate your homeowner. Teach them about the importance of controlling indoor air quality and humidity levels. Remind them to turn on the exhaust fan whenever cooking, running the dishwasher, doing the laundry or taking a bath or shower.

A common sense approach to living within a home can have a big impact. For example, don't use a semi-toxic cleaner, such as many oven cleaners, on a day when the house is all closed up and can't be aired out.

Building a green house is a first step; teaching the homeowner to appreciate and realize these unique benefits in their new home is the final one.

Heather McCune is the Editor-in-Chief for Professional Builder and Luxury Home Builder. Please email her with any comments or questions