Opening up walls or removing old flooring during a home renovation can reveal hidden surprises. In Arizona discovering mud tubes, hollow wood, or damaged studs behind drywall is a sign of termites. And it’s far more common than most homeowners realize. When construction noise and demolition disturb established subterranean colonies, taking immediate action with a termite pre-treatment is critical to keeping your home safe and your project on schedule.

What to Do When You Discover Termites During a Remodel

If you or your contractor uncover termite activity during a renovation, stop work immediately around that area. Disturbing termites without proper treatment can cause them to retreat deeper into wall voids, slab cracks, or utility channels.

Rather than relying on a general contractor to handle pest issues, contact a licensed termite specialist right away. Pest control professionals will treat active termites while walls are open or before new flooring is set. Then, foundation drilling or wall applications can be completed cleanly before finishes are installed.

What Is a Termite Pre-Treatment?

While discovering active termites requires immediate elimination, the most effective long-term defense is a termite pre-treatment. A pre-treatment creates a continuous chemical or physical barrier around high-risk entry points before concrete is poured or walls are closed up. For subterranean termites, pre-treatments are typically applied in two distinct stages:

• Stage 1 – Pre-Slab Soil Treatment: Applied after plumbing rough-ins and form setting are complete, but before the concrete slab is poured. The soil beneath the home, patio, or addition is treated around foundation footings, cold joints, and plumbing penetrations.
• Stage 2 – Final Grade Perimeter Treatment: Performed once all soil around the home’s exterior is set to its final level and won’t be disturbed again. A continuous perimeter barrier is established along stem walls and footings to block future subterranean access.

When Should You Schedule a Pre-Treatment?

Timing is everything when coordinating pre-treatments with construction schedules to prevent costly delays:

• New Construction & Additions: Schedule the pre-slab soil treatment right after plumbing rough-ins and form setting, but before concrete is poured.
• Remodels & Slab Modifications: Whenever you saw-cut an existing slab, pour new footings, or dig plumbing trenches, treat these newly exposed joints before pouring concrete or closing walls.
• Post-Framing Wood Treatments: Optional borate treatments should be applied to exposed framing after framing is complete, but before insulation and drywall are installed.

East Valley’s Trusted Termite Experts

Alpha Pest Control brings decades of specialized expertise to every project. Our family- and veteran-owned team seamlessly coordinates with homeowners and local contractors to deliver 5-star service done-right. We serve Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, and surrounding East Valley communities.

Call or text today at (480) 968-0414 to get a quote and schedule your pre-treatment. Or CLICK HERE to contact us.