Defeat Wood Hungry Termites with Metal Prefab Buildings
There are only two ways to avoid costly termite treatments: build in Alaska— the only state free from termite problems, as the pests cannot survive the frigid winters— or build steel structures.
Build Steel Structures instead of Wood Buildings
Building with wood extends an open dinner invitation to termites, but no termite can make a meal of steel.
In lumber-framed structures, there are two ways to try to thwart termites: building with chemically treated wood or paying for periodic termite treatments.
Pesticides developed to eliminate termites are called termiticides.
Brushing or spraying liquid termiticides on lumber protects it from termites—until it is exposed to flowing water. Water releases the lumber’s termiticides, contaminating nearby surfaces.
There are several drawbacks to termiticide sprays:
- It is difficult to apply chemical sprays perfectly.
- Determined termites find even the slightest break in the sprayed solution, then breach the chemical barrier and enter the building.
- A typical barrier termite treatment calls for the application of 150 gallons or more of chemicals around the building.
- If termites have already found their way inside, a barrier spray simply traps those termites in the building.
Metal Prefab Buildings or Costly Termite Treatments?
Older barrier treatments were more effective in killing termites than the chemicals used today. However, they were dangerous to the environment, so manufacturers ceased production in 1987.
While today’s barrier termiticides are safer environmentally, they are sometimes misused.
Abusing the Environmental Protection Agency’s safety guidelines for termite treatments can be dangerous. Consequently, the EPA does not recommend do-it-yourself termite spray application.
Even more sobering, prolonged or chronic exposure to insecticides like termiticides can increase the risk of pancreases and liver problems, certain cancers, tremors, seizures, and fertility problems. Therefore, you should consider all pesticides as potentially dangerous.
Although more expensive, termite baits may be a safer alternative to barrier termiticides.
However, in areas of the country where formidable Formosan and damp-wood termites dwell, fumigation may be the only effective treatment.
RHINO Steel Building Systems
A RHINO prefabricated building provides no organic framing to attract those wood-eating termites.
In addition, when you choose RHINO’s steel-framed termite proof construction, you also eliminate an organic material for mold and mildew to feed on, too.
Conclusion: Build Steel-Framed Buildings to Thwart Termites
You can avoid future termite troubles if you build a steel prefabricated building.
Learn More about RHINO’s Metal Prefab Buildings
Be sure and visit the RHINO photo gallery and our current steel building specials.
Try your hand at designing your own metal building online with our free 3-D design tool.
Discover why RHINO steel-framed buildings are the strongest, safest, smartest way to build today. Call 940.383.9566 for more details about the best building buy on the market.
Speak with one of our seasoned steel prefabricated building specialists. They can answer all your questions and supply you with details and pricing on our steel-framed buildings.
(Updated 1-27-2021. Originally published 6-22-2018.)