+---
+title: Soil Treatment for Termite Control
+category: Sitework
+toc_depth: 3
+description: >
+ When to use: Pre-construction chemical soil treatment applied by a licensed
+ pest control operator as an EPA-registered liquid termiticide barrier to
+ protect new buildings from subterranean termite damage. Covers horizontal
+ sub-slab barriers, vertical perimeter trench-and-rod barriers, and treatment
+ at soil-contact penetrations for commercial, institutional, and residential
+ projects in termite-infestation probability zones where soil treatment is
+ required or specified under model building codes.
+ Not intended for: Earthwork, grading, and sub-base compaction (sync/earthwork);
+ slab-on-grade concrete placement (sync/slab-on-grade); vapor retarder
+ installation (sync/vapor-retarders); landscape soil amendments and planted-bed
+ preparation (sync/planting-and-soil-preparation); selective demolition of
+ termite-damaged structure (sync/selective-demolition); geosynthetic capillary
+ break layers (sync/geosynthetics); post-construction remedial treatment of
+ existing structures, physical barrier systems (mesh, granite, sand), bait
+ stations, and wood-applied termiticides (separate post-construction pest
+ management scope, no current SynC standard).
+---
+
+# Scope {toc}
+
+## This standard covers pre-construction chemical soil treatment applied as a liquid termiticide barrier to protect new buildings from subterranean termite damage. {note}
+
+## Treatment under this standard establishes a continuous chemical barrier between the soil and the structure, comprising a horizontal barrier beneath slabs and footings, a vertical barrier along foundation walls and grade beams, and treatment at all soil-contact penetrations. {note}
+
+## A continuous chemical barrier is the controlling concept: termites need an unbroken path of untreated soil to reach wood, so any gap in coverage — a missed penetration, an untreated cold joint, or a section disturbed after treatment — defeats the system even when the bulk of the barrier is intact. {note}
+
+## This standard applies to projects whose location falls within a termite-infestation probability zone designated moderate-to-heavy, heavy, or very heavy, where the adopted building code requires termite protection and soil treatment is the selected method. {note}
+
+## Soil treatment shall be applied only by an operator holding a current state-issued structural pest control license for termiticide application.
+
+## All application rates, dilutions, concentrations, and methods shall conform to the EPA-registered label of the product actually used; where this standard and the product label differ, the label governs.
+
+## The product label is the legally enforceable document under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and no specification language may direct an application that exceeds or conflicts with the label. {note}
+
+## Earthwork, grading, and sub-base compaction are specified in [[sync/earthwork]]; this standard begins once the sub-base is at final grade and ready for treatment. {note}
+
+## Slab-on-grade concrete placement is specified in [[sync/slab-on-grade]] and vapor retarder installation in [[sync/vapor-retarders]]; this standard coordinates timing with both but does not cover either. {note}
+
+## Landscape soil amendments and planted-bed preparation are covered by [[sync/planting-and-soil-preparation]]; geosynthetic capillary break layers by [[sync/geosynthetics]]; and demolition of termite-damaged structure by [[sync/selective-demolition]]. {note}
+
+## Post-construction remedial treatment of existing structures, physical barrier systems (stainless-steel mesh, crushed-granite or sand barriers), bait stations, and wood-applied termiticides are outside this standard and require a separate post-construction pest management specification. {note}
+
+# Referenced Standards {toc}
+
+## Treatment, materials, and documentation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of each of the following unless a specific edition is cited or a state amendment supersedes it.
+
+## Where referenced documents conflict, the more stringent requirement shall govern unless the Engineer of Record directs otherwise in writing, except that the EPA-registered product label always governs application rate and concentration.
+
+## State structural pest control regulations frequently impose stricter requirements than the model codes and may restrict specific active ingredients; the applicator is responsible for verifying all jurisdictional requirements before commencing work. {note}
+
+## The applicator shall verify and comply with the regulations of the jurisdiction where the work is performed.
+
+| Standard | Title |
+|----------|-------|
+| IRC §R318 | International Residential Code — Protection Against Subterranean Termites |
+| IBC §2603.8 | International Building Code — Protection Against Termites (below-grade foam plastic insulation) |
+| UFGS 31 31 16.13 | Chemical Termite Control (federal master specification) |
+| UFGS 31 31 16.19 | Termite Control Barriers (physical, non-chemical — defines scope boundary) |
+| EPA FIFRA | Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act — Pesticide Label Requirements |
+| HUD Handbook 4000.1 | FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook — termite treatment for insured mortgages |
+| NPMA-99-B | New Construction Subterranean Termite Service Record (HUD-NPMA-99-B for FHA projects) |
+| NPMA-33 | Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report |
+
+# Submittals {toc}
+
+## Action Submittals {toc}
+
+### The Contractor shall submit the following action submittals for review before any soil treatment is applied:
+
+- Product data for the proposed liquid termiticide, including the full EPA-registered label, EPA registration number, active ingredient, and registered pre-construction application rates and dilutions
+- Pre-construction dilution and application rate for each treatment zone (horizontal, vertical, penetration), keyed to the sub-base fill type at that location
+- Applicator's current state structural pest control license for termiticide application, and proof of the firm's liability insurance
+- Equipment list identifying the power-spray unit, tank, and calibration method
+- Treatment plan and schedule coordinating the treatment window with the vapor retarder and concrete placement sequence
+
+```datasheet
+label: Action Submittals
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Product data and EPA-registered label
+ - Dilution and application rate per zone
+ - Applicator state license and insurance
+ - Equipment and calibration list
+ - Treatment plan and schedule
+default:
+ - Product data and EPA-registered label
+ - Dilution and application rate per zone
+ - Applicator state license and insurance
+ - Treatment plan and schedule
+```
+
+## Informational Submittals {toc}
+
+### The Contractor shall submit the following informational submittals:
+
+- Manufacturer's published efficacy data and safety data sheet (SDS) for the selected product
+- Applicator's qualification statement listing comparable completed pre-construction projects
+- Re-treatment protocol describing the conditions that void the barrier and the corrective treatment to be applied before concrete placement
+
+```datasheet
+label: Informational Submittals
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Manufacturer efficacy data and SDS
+ - Applicator qualification statement
+ - Re-treatment protocol
+default:
+ - Manufacturer efficacy data and SDS
+ - Re-treatment protocol
+```
+
+## Closeout Submittals {toc}
+
+### The Contractor shall submit the following closeout submittals within 5 business days of treatment completion:
+
+- Completed NPMA-99-B (or state-equivalent) New Construction Subterranean Termite Service Record, signed by the applicator, recording product name, EPA registration number, applied concentration, total gallons applied, and treated areas
+- For FHA- or VA-financed projects, the HUD-NPMA-99-B form furnished to the lender as well as retained in the project file
+- Applicator's written treatment warranty
+- Daily treatment records with equipment calibration check results
+
+```datasheet
+label: Closeout Submittals
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Completed NPMA-99-B service record
+ - HUD-NPMA-99-B to lender (FHA/VA)
+ - Applicator written warranty
+ - Daily records and calibration checks
+default:
+ - Completed NPMA-99-B service record
+ - Applicator written warranty
+ - Daily records and calibration checks
+```
+
+### For FHA- or VA-financed projects, the completed HUD-NPMA-99-B shall be furnished to the lender and not merely retained in the project file.
+
+## Omitting the documentation requirement is a common cause of last-minute closing delays on FHA/VA projects, because the lender requires the NPMA-99-B in hand; specify it up front so it is not discovered missing at closing. {note}
+
+# Quality Assurance {toc}
+
+## Applicator Qualifications {toc}
+
+### The soil treatment applicator shall hold a current state-issued structural pest control license authorizing termiticide application in the jurisdiction of the work.
+
+### Applicators are licensed by state structural pest control boards, not by the EPA; the submittal shall therefore include the state license, and a federal credential alone is not acceptable. {note}
+
+### The applicator firm shall carry liability insurance covering pesticide application, in the amount required by the Owner or the jurisdiction, whichever is greater.
+
+### The applicator shall offer a written warranty providing for re-treatment at no additional cost if the barrier fails before the slab placement is complete, for a minimum term as scheduled.
+
+## Regulatory Compliance {toc}
+
+### The applicator shall comply with all federal, state, and local pesticide regulations governing the storage, mixing, application, and disposal of the termiticide.
+
+### Several states — including Florida, Texas, Alabama, and California — impose stricter termite protection requirements or restrict certain active ingredients; the model-code defaults in this standard do not override those state rules. {note}
+
+### Chlorpyrifos shall not be specified or applied; the EPA phased it out of residential pre-construction termiticide use, and it is not a permitted option under this standard.
+
+## Equipment Calibration {toc}
+
+### The applicator shall verify tank volume and application rate by a calibration check immediately before each treatment session.
+
+### A calibration check before each session is required by the federal master specification for chemical termite control and is the only reliable defense against an under- or over-applied barrier, because nozzle wear and dilution error are invisible without measurement. {note}
+
+### Calibration check results shall be recorded in the daily treatment record for the corresponding treatment session.
+
+# Environmental and Service Conditions {toc}
+
+## Termite Infestation Probability Zone {toc}
+
+### The Engineer of Record shall confirm that the project location falls within a termite-infestation probability zone requiring treatment before this standard is invoked.
+
+### Termite infestation probability maps are published by the USDA Forest Service and reproduced in the IRC and IBC commentary; they classify regions from "none to slight" through "very heavy," and soil treatment is triggered in the moderate-to-heavy and higher zones. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Termite Infestation Probability Zone
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Moderate to heavy
+ - Heavy
+ - Very heavy
+default: Moderate to heavy
+```
+
+## Sub-Base Fill Type {toc}
+
+### The application rate shall be selected for the actual sub-base fill type present at each treated location.
+
+### Fill type controls application volume because a porous sub-base absorbs and disperses more solution than dense soil: washed stone and gravel require more volume per unit area than compacted native fill to achieve a continuous treated zone. Specifying a single flat rate without distinguishing fill type is a frequent error that leaves washed-stone areas under-treated; the elevated rate for open-graded sub-base is specified in the Treatment Zones section. {note}
+
+### The application rate shall step up where the sub-base is open-graded.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Sub-Base Fill Type (horizontal barrier)
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Compacted native fill or soil
+ - Sand
+ - Washed stone or gravel
+default: Compacted native fill or soil
+```
+
+## Weather and Soil Moisture {toc}
+
+### Treatment shall not be applied to soil that is frozen, saturated, or covered by standing water.
+
+### Any treated area disturbed by rainfall exceeding 0.5 in (13 mm) after treatment shall be re-treated before the vapor retarder and concrete are placed.
+
+### Rain redistributes and dilutes the applied termiticide and can wash an open soil surface clean; a measurable rain event after treatment is therefore a re-treatment trigger, not a judgment call. {note}
+
+# Termiticide Product {toc}
+
+## Active Ingredient Selection {toc}
+
+### The termiticide shall be an EPA-registered liquid soil termiticide labeled for pre-construction barrier application.
+
+### Active ingredients fall into two classes that behave very differently. Repellent pyrethroids such as bifenthrin and permethrin create a treated zone that termites detect and avoid, but they do not affect the colony. Non-repellent products such as fipronil, imidacloprid, chlorantraniliprole, and chlorfenapyr are not detected by foraging termites, which pass through the treated zone and transfer the active ingredient to nestmates through trophallaxis, affecting the colony over time. {note}
+
+### Non-repellent active ingredients are preferred for pre-construction barriers because the undetected-transfer mechanism gives more durable protection than a zone termites merely avoid; a default driven only by lowest chemical cost is a false economy. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Active Ingredient Class
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Non-repellent (fipronil, imidacloprid, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr)
+ - Repellent pyrethroid (bifenthrin, permethrin)
+default: Non-repellent (fipronil, imidacloprid, chlorantraniliprole, chlorfenapyr)
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Product Formulation
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Suspension concentrate (SC)
+ - Emulsifiable concentrate (EC)
+default: Suspension concentrate (SC)
+```
+
+## Dilution Concentration {toc}
+
+### The concentrate shall be diluted to the registered pre-construction barrier concentration on the label of the product used.
+
+### The standard pre-construction dilution for both a fipronil SC and a bifenthrin SC is 0.06% active ingredient; this is the label rate, and the field datasheet records the value actually used rather than substituting for the label. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Applied Dilution (active ingredient)
+type: range
+unit: "%"
+min: 0.03
+max: 0.125
+step: 0.005
+default: 0.06
+```
+
+# Treatment Zones and Application Rates {toc}
+
+## Horizontal Barrier {toc}
+
+### A continuous horizontal barrier shall be applied to the soil surface of all areas to receive a slab, including the area beneath the slab, footings, and grade beams.
+
+### The horizontal barrier shall be applied at 1 gal per 10 ft² (4.1 L/m²) of soil surface over compacted fill, consistent with the product label and the federal master specification for chemical termite control.
+
+### The horizontal barrier shall be applied at 1.5 gal per 10 ft² (6.1 L/m²) over washed stone, gravel, or other open-graded sub-base, consistent with the product label and the federal master specification for chemical termite control.
+
+### Where surface spray cannot penetrate a compacted or stabilized sub-base, the horizontal barrier shall be applied by rod injection on a 12 in (300 mm) grid in 4 in (100 mm) depth increments.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Horizontal Barrier Rate — Compacted Fill
+type: range
+unit: "gal / 10 ft²"
+min: 1.0
+max: 1.5
+step: 0.1
+default: 1.0
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Horizontal Barrier Rate — Washed Stone or Gravel
+type: range
+unit: "gal / 10 ft²"
+min: 1.0
+max: 2.0
+step: 0.1
+default: 1.5
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Horizontal Barrier Application Method
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Surface spray (calibrated power equipment)
+ - Rod injection on 12 in grid
+default: Surface spray (calibrated power equipment)
+```
+
+## Vertical Barrier {toc}
+
+### A continuous vertical barrier shall be applied along the full perimeter of foundation walls, grade beams, and interior footings in contact with treated soil.
+
+### The vertical barrier shall be established by trench-and-treat: a trench excavated along the foundation to the top of the footing or 6 in (150 mm) deep, whichever is greater, with termiticide applied to the trench soil and to the backfill as it is replaced in lifts.
+
+### The vertical barrier shall be applied at 4 gal per 10 linear ft (5.0 L/m) per foot of depth, consistent with the product label and the federal master specification for chemical termite control.
+
+### Treating the backfill in lifts rather than only the open trench is what makes the vertical barrier continuous through the full depth of soil against the wall; flooding only the trench bottom leaves an untreated column of backfill above it. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Vertical Barrier Rate
+type: range
+unit: "gal / 10 lin ft per ft depth"
+min: 2.0
+max: 4.0
+step: 0.5
+default: 4.0
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum Trench Depth
+type: radio
+options:
+ - To top of footing or 6 in, whichever is greater
+ - To top of footing
+default: To top of footing or 6 in, whichever is greater
+```
+
+## Penetration Treatment {toc}
+
+### Soil in contact with all penetrations through or into the slab shall be treated, including pipe sleeves, conduit stubs, utility entries, and the soil at expansion and control joint locations.
+
+### Penetrations are the most commonly missed part of the scope, and a single untreated pipe sleeve is an open path from the soil to the wood; relying on the general sub-slab rate to cover penetrations is not acceptable. {note}
+
+### The treatment scope shall explicitly enumerate every soil-contact penetration.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Penetrations to Treat
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Pipe sleeves
+ - Conduit stubs
+ - Utility entries
+ - Expansion and control joint soil
+ - Plumbing stub-ups
+default:
+ - Pipe sleeves
+ - Conduit stubs
+ - Utility entries
+ - Expansion and control joint soil
+ - Plumbing stub-ups
+```
+
+## Barrier System Configuration {toc}
+
+### The barrier system shall be a continuous combination of horizontal sub-slab treatment, vertical perimeter trench-and-treat, and penetration treatment unless a more limited configuration is specifically scheduled.
+
+### The combined horizontal-plus-vertical system is the standard pre-construction configuration; a horizontal barrier alone leaves the foundation perimeter open, and a vertical barrier alone leaves the slab field open. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Barrier System Configuration
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Combined horizontal + vertical + penetrations
+ - Horizontal sub-slab only
+ - Vertical perimeter only
+default: Combined horizontal + vertical + penetrations
+```
+
+# Installation {toc}
+
+## Treatment Timing {toc}
+
+### Soil treatment shall be applied no more than 12 hours before the vapor retarder is placed and concrete is poured.
+
+### Termiticide shall be applied before the vapor retarder is installed, never after, so the treated soil is directly beneath the structure and the retarder is not interposed between the chemical and the soil.
+
+### The 12 hour window exists because a treated soil surface is fragile: rain, foot traffic, and backfill all disrupt it, so a barrier laid too far ahead of the pour is no barrier by the time concrete arrives. {note}
+
+### The applicator shall coordinate the treatment window with the concrete contractor's pour schedule.
+
+### Sequencing the termiticide after the vapor retarder is a frequent field coordination failure; the correct sequence is treat soil, then place vapor retarder per [[sync/vapor-retarders]], then place concrete per [[sync/slab-on-grade]]. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Maximum Interval — Treatment to Concrete Placement
+type: range
+unit: "h"
+min: 6
+max: 24
+step: 1
+default: 12
+```
+
+## Coordination and Re-Treatment {toc}
+
+### Any treated zone broken by later excavation, utility trenching, or grading shall be re-treated before concrete is placed.
+
+### MEP subcontractors who trench for late underground utilities after the soil is treated cut directly through the barrier, opening a continuous untreated path; each responsible subcontractor must notify the pest control contractor promptly so re-treatment can be scheduled before the pour. {note}
+
+### The responsible subcontractor shall notify the pest control contractor whenever a treated zone is disturbed by utility trenching or other excavation.
+
+### The Contractor shall notify the pest control contractor whenever a treated zone is disturbed, so that re-treatment is scheduled before the slab placement proceeds.
+
+```datasheet
+label: Conditions Requiring Re-Treatment
+type: checkbox
+options:
+ - Excavation or trenching through treated soil
+ - Rainfall over 0.5 in after treatment
+ - Mechanical or foot-traffic disturbance
+ - Treatment-to-pour interval exceeded
+default:
+ - Excavation or trenching through treated soil
+ - Rainfall over 0.5 in after treatment
+ - Mechanical or foot-traffic disturbance
+ - Treatment-to-pour interval exceeded
+```
+
+## Application Method {toc}
+
+### Termiticide shall be mixed and applied with calibrated power-spray equipment fitted with a tank of known volume.
+
+### The applied solution shall be confined to the area to be treated and shall not be allowed to run off into adjacent soil, storm drains, or water bodies.
+
+### Treatment shall not proceed in any area where the soil treatment would contact a water supply, well, or drainage feature in violation of the product label.
+
+# Documentation {toc}
+
+## Treatment Record {toc}
+
+### The applicator shall complete an NPMA-99-B (or state-equivalent) New Construction Subterranean Termite Service Record for the treatment.
+
+### The treatment record shall identify the EPA registration number, product name, applied concentration, total gallons applied, and the treated areas.
+
+### The treatment record shall be submitted within 5 business days of treatment completion.
+
+### The NPMA-99-B is the industry-standard record accepted for FHA, VA, and conventional lending; on FHA-financed projects it is the HUD-NPMA-99-B and must reach the lender, which is why it is treated as a contractual deliverable and not merely a field log. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Treatment Record Form
+type: radio
+options:
+ - NPMA-99-B (HUD-NPMA-99-B on FHA/VA projects)
+ - State-equivalent service record
+default: NPMA-99-B (HUD-NPMA-99-B on FHA/VA projects)
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Record Submission Window
+type: range
+unit: "business days"
+min: 3
+max: 10
+step: 1
+default: 5
+```
+
+# Warranty {toc}
+
+## Applicator Warranty {toc}
+
+### The applicator shall provide a written warranty covering re-treatment at no additional cost if the chemical barrier fails before slab placement is complete.
+
+### Most reputable applicators offer a one-year re-treatment warranty as standard; specifying the warranty term protects the Owner, because a spec silent on warranty leaves no recourse if the barrier fails before the slab is finished. {note}
+
+```datasheet
+label: Minimum Warranty Term
+type: range
+unit: "year"
+min: 1
+max: 5
+step: 1
+default: 1
+```
+
+```datasheet
+label: Warranty Coverage
+type: radio
+options:
+ - Re-treatment only
+ - Re-treatment and repair of new damage
+default: Re-treatment only
+```