Posted By icfblocks on 13 Apr 2011 02:23 PM
As a builder using ICF in the South I am aware of termites. Always pre-treat the soil for termites. Always put in an inspection strip and/or use a termite shield. Borate does not kill termites, it only wears out there mandibles and they can't boar in wood. It is always a recommendation to apply PoleyGuard or any other approved waterproofing below grade.

With 20 years building with ICF here in the south. I, personally have never seen termites in a ICF structure even without Borate, PoleyGuard or Termite Shield installed.

Still doesn't mean it can't or won't happen.

Dana1,

I have heard that since borate does not work like an insecticide, the termites can not build up a resistance to it like they have with some chemicals.  Do you think this is a true statement?

Posted By Alton on 13 Apr 2011 04:23 PM

Dana1,

I have heard that since borate does not work like an insecticide, the termites can not build up a resistance to it like they have with some chemicals.  Do you think this is a true statement?

I have seen termite channels in ICF blocks but not significant amounts. Logix sells ICF block that is treated for termites. That is very effective for a preventative solution. Thanks

The study I read found that borate did not work.

Jonr,

But for the kindness of strangers I would not have read these two studies.  Boy, am I glad that I did.  Although borate treated EPS may not be the answer to defeat termites, I am happy that someone conducted extensive experiments to determine what would work.  Now instead of saying "borates" can we all say "Deltamethrin"?  I think it is easier to say BLUEGUARD™.

Jonr, I really do appreciate you posting the two links.

Jonr,

I believe Deltmethrin is effective against termites.  Here is a link to an article written for Blueprints Services "Continuing Education for Code Officials" stating

"Insect Control
Crawl spaces can be prime areas of attack by pests. And infestation by insects such as termites can result in expensive, sometimes permanent, damage to a home.

In areas of the United States identified in 2006 IRC Figure R301.2(6) as “very heavy” probability for termite infestation, Section R320.5 limits the use of foam plastic in contact with the ground on foundations. The concern is that termites can burrow into the foam and tunnel undetected up through the foam into the building.
 
STYROFOAM™ BLUEGUARD™ insulation is a termite-resistant insulation that contains deltamethrin insecticide to protect the foam from termites and other wood-destroying insects. It is specifically designed to keep termites out of the foam and qualifies as an “approved method of protecting the foam plastic” per 2006 IRC Section R320.5 Exception 2. It should be used in conjunction with a total insect management program available from a pest management professional.

STYROFOAM™ BLUEGUARD™ has been field tested and exceeds the performance requirements set forth by the U.S. EPA and the ICCES EG-239 Evaluation Guideline for Termite-Resistant Foam Plastic, which enables code approval for use in below-grade applications in very heavy termite infestation areas.
 
The insecticide in STYROFOAM™ BLUEGUARD™ insulation is not a surface treatment. Similar in structure to naturally occurring chemical compounds, the deltamethrin insecticide is incorporated into the plastic of the foam matrix during the manufacturing process, providing integral and lasting protection of the foam. Deltamethrin insecticide is a U.S. EPA registered pesticide, and is effective for use against termites and other wood- destroying insects."