Perceptions & Use of Termite Resistant Treated Wood Products in the United States. Part II: The Perspective of Home Builders and Architects

This paper is Part II of a study that examines perceptions, attitudes and behaviors regarding termites and treated wood. In Part I, we surveyed homeowners and in this paper we surveyed home builders and architects. The geographic region for both Parts I and II is U.S. states where Formosan subterranean termites (FST) exist. This is a particularly voracious species of termite. Overall, in this paper, respondents are in agreement that treated wood is safe in new home construction framing and is safe if handled and disposed of properly. Forty-one percent of respondents agreed that treated wood is safe for residents in indoor structural applications. Overall, when taking into account the neutral responses, respondents have a favorable view of treated wood safety for all applications posed to them. Fifty-five percent of respondents were not familiar at all with FST. Although they had a general lack of knowledge, 29 percent of respondents said FST were a problem in the regions their companies serve.