Pest Control for New Construction in Lakeland, FL

Pest control for new construction in Lakeland, FL centers on three things: the FDACS Category 8E pre-construction termite treatment required by the Florida Building Code, the initial Category 8B general household pest treatment at certificate of occupancy, and the bond enrollment that transfers to the eventual homeowner. Polk County builders typically bundle all three with a single FDACS-licensed operator. Call the number below to be connected with an FDACS-licensed builder pest control operator.

Required vs. optional pest work on a new build

• Required (FBC): Soil-applied liquid termiticide pre-treatment OR an approved baiting system (Sentricon, Trelona).
• Required (Polk County): Notice of Treatment filed with FDACS and posted at the structure.
• Optional (highly recommended): Initial Category 8B general household pest treatment at CO — resets pest pressure from the construction phase.
• Optional: Bora-Care preventive treatment on exposed bare wood before drywall (especially attic framing).
• Optional: Pre-listing WDO inspection if the builder will sell rather than retain.

Timing of each treatment in the construction sequence

1. After foundation grading, before vapor barrier. Under-slab horizontal termiticide treatment.
2. After slab pour and back-fill. Perimeter vertical trench-and-treat.
3. Before drywall. Optional Bora-Care application on exposed framing.
4. At certificate of occupancy. Initial general household pest treatment.
5. At closing. WDO inspection and bond transfer.

Pricing the new construction pest package

Polk County builder pest packages typically run $1,400–$2,650 for a 2,000 sq ft home: pre-construction treatment ($1,200–$2,200) + initial pest treatment at CO ($150–$250) + WDO inspection at closing ($75–$175). Sentricon as the alternative runs slightly higher at install but provides indefinite coverage. For cost detail see pre-construction termite treatment cost.

Related Lakeland Exterminators pages

• Pre-Construction Termite Treatment in Lakeland — service page
• Pre-Construction Cost in Florida — cost overview
• WDO Inspection in Lakeland — closing inspection

Frequently asked questions

Does the builder pay for the new construction pest treatment?

Yes. The builder pays and rolls the cost into the home price.

Will the termite bond transfer to me at closing?

Standard Polk County practice is to transfer the bond and the Notice of Treatment to the buyer at closing. Confirm at the closing table.

Is Sentricon better than liquid pre-treat for a new build?

Both meet the FBC requirement. Sentricon costs slightly more at install but provides indefinite coverage. Liquid is cheaper at install and lasts 7 to 10 years before retreat decision.

Can I switch operators after the builder’s first year?

Yes, but you may need a new bond and re-treatment depending on the original bond terms. Read the bond before switching.

How do I find a Polk County builder pest operator?

Call the number on this page. Operators routed through this line hold FDACS Category 8E for termite work and Category 8B for general household pest treatment.