What is a common practice for controlling termites in concrete slab floor construction?

Drilling through the slab to treat the soil underneath is a common practice for controlling termites in concrete slab floor construction. This method allows pest control professionals to directly introduce termiticides into the soil layer beneath the concrete, where termites are likely to establish their colonies. Since concrete slabs can provide a significant barrier to traditional treatment methods applied on the surface, drilling presents a targeted way to manage termite populations that may be present in or entering the structure from the ground.

Additionally, this practice is particularly important because termites often travel through the soil in search of cellulose-based food sources, such as wood. By treating the soil directly, the chemical barrier can prevent termites from reaching the wooden structures of the building.

The other options, while related to general pest management, do not directly address termite control as effectively in this specific context. For instance, installing a vapor barrier and keeping the area dry may help reduce moisture and inhibit conditions favorable to termites, but they do not actively eliminate existing termite populations or prevent new infestations as effectively as drilling and treatment can. Regular washing of surfaces, although a good practice for maintaining cleanliness, does not provide a meaningful deterrent against termites, which are highly adaptive and often hidden away from surface treatments.