Preventing termite passage behind slab perimeter insulation - GreenBuildingAdvisor
About this article
I’m helping a neighbor here in MA get insulation installed around the perimeter of her slab. Another neighbor did this and had termites enter her house by passing behind the […]
Preventing termite passage behind slab perimeter insulation user-7660186 | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on April 17, 2026 11:32am I’m helping a neighbor here in MA get insulation installed around the perimeter of her slab. Another neighbor did this and had termites enter her house by passing behind the insulation. How can we prevent this? I see mention of insulation treated with boric acid or such. Is it sufficient to treat the insulation or do you need a barrier so the termites can’t just slip past the insulation?Thanks!Michael Answer GBA Detail Library A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part Search and download construction details Join the leading community of building science experts Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field. Start free trial Related Questions 4" rigid foam under slab/on slab edge/stem wall perimeter insulation Slab Edge Insulation and Termite Control Pole barn perimeter insulation advice needed perimeter insulation for slab heat Replies Expert Member Antonio Bettencourt | Apr 17, 2026 11:47am | #1 I don't know of any solution other than a solid barrier that forces termites coming up behind the insulation out to the exterior. The metal shield should be thoroughly bedded in a mastic on the slab. Then it should extend out over the exterior insulation so that they are exposed. This won't stop them. But by ex...
