We all do. Wood destroying organisms don't just cost homeowners billions in repairs every year - that burden is shared by a wide range of players, including:

Homeowners
The cost of built-in protection with borate-treated building products is typically far lower than the cost of repairing and treating homes over time. On average, using borate-treated products adds two percent to the construction cost of a home. For a 2,000 square-foot home, that translates to between $3,000 and $4,000 - a one time expense that is far lower than the cost of repairs or remedial treatments.

Homebuilders
Forty-five percent of all new homes in the United States are being built in high hazard termite and decay zones. Homebuilders face short- and long-term liability associated with this and declared destructive hazard. Using borate-treated building products for all structural wood components gives homebuilders a 20-year guarantee to pass along to their customers.

Real Estate Business
Long-term durability is critical to preserving real estate value. Homes that are under constant threat of termite attack have less intrinsic value. Buyers will not invest in a home that isn't protected from potential destruction by termites and other wood-destroying organisms. Sellers can protect their property value and differentiate their homes with built-in protection using borate treated building materials - materials that add to the immediate value of a home, and sustain that value over time.

Property Insurance Business
Property insurance does not directly cover termite loss; however, structures weakened by termites are more susceptible to damage from catastrophic events such as windstorms, hurricanes and earthquakes, increasing the risk of property damage and personal injury. Building in protection by using borate-treated building materials increases the durability of structures, and reduces risk for property owners and insurers.

Mortgage Lending Business
Mortgage lenders have a long-term interest in homes. While standard mortgage lending practices call for homes to be protected against termites, treatments have not kept up with the times. Traditional soil treatments - chlordane or similar compounds - provided some 30 years of protection. Concerns over these compounds' environmental impact have effectively banned them from use. Replacement termiticides last only about five years, and do nothing to protect homes from airborne invaders. Vulnerable homes translate into weakened protection for lenders' assets. Moreover, lenders are potentially liable for repairing damage in the event that a homeowner defaults on his or her loan. Borate-treated building products protect homes, homeowners and lenders - protection that, over time, creates more opportunities for first-time buyers.

Environmental Advocacy Community
Wood is a renewable resource and a carbon dioxide sink; no other building material matches its environmental attributes. Wood framed homes use fewer natural resources in their construction than homes made of steel frame or masonry. They also have lower embodied energy levels and global warming potential. Finally, wood framed homes have higher effective R-values than steel frame homes, resulting in less energy use in service. Borates are naturally-occurring mineral salts, with a long history of being safe and effective when used as directed. Borate treatment is a sound choice for increasing the life of wood, particularly in high termite and decay hazard areas.

Forest Products Industry
On one hand, using borate-treated building materials raises costs and standards. On the other, borate treatment addresses consumers' concern about wood's durability, helping to maintain wood's status as the preferred material for residential construction. Steel's ability to withstand termite attack has already caused a loss of market share in Hawaii and Florida, areas hard hit by Formosan termites. For context, a 25% market loss in residential construction represents some four billion board feet of lumber. The final edge: unlike steel, construction with borate-treated wood requires no changes to building methodology and tools.

Retail Lumber Business
Borate-treated wood means additional inventory and working capital requirements for dealers. It also means greater value associated with a high volume product, and lower risk in its long-term efficacy. Borate-treated building materials don't just protect homes and homeowners, they also protect the longevity of the wood industry - including its retailers - against market invasion by steel and masonry manufacturers. Protection that may also help retailers differentiate their products.

Wood Treating Business
The wood treating industry adds value by helping to increase the life of an important resource. Many wood treating companies are small businesses and the use of borate treated wood in construction creates new markets for this industry, opening doors for increased investment and job creation.

Pest Control Business
While PCOs may be concerned that the use of borate pre-treated building materials may erode their business, the fact is that these materials are complementary, not competitive. Integrated pest management calls for borate-treated building materials in conjunction with soil treatment and periodic inspections, both performed by PCOs. This integrated approach reduces liability for PCOs performing pre-construction termite treatments.