In the U.S., roughly 33% of renters move at least once every year. That doesn’t mean that homeowners are locked in place for the rest of their lives, however. Homeowners, despite having to overcome the challenges of actually selling their property, are likely to move when the time is right.
There are many different reasons why people move — new job, starting a family, financial issues — but one of the more stressful reasons to relocate is attributed to termites and other bug infestations.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Americans spend between $1 billion and $2 billion on termite control and repairs each year. Aside from the financial problems termites cause, any kind of infestation can result in serious emotional issues for homeowners and renters alike, which often leads to an urgency to move.
In Orlando and other parts of Florida, thanks to a few architectural advancements and innovative thinking, new livable space options are available for people who want to live without termites and other pests.
Plastics News reports that at the 2017 National Association of Home Builders showcase, a new Polyguard Products Inc. product called Term will act as an anti-insect barrier at the New American Home in Orlando.
The Term wrap, which was developed by entomologists at Texas AandM University, has a strong layer of polyethylene to keep insects, termites in particular, at bay.
“This has been tested long term in the lab and in the field and it resists termites,” said John Muncaster, Polyguard CEO. “We don’t [know] why. We don’t know everything about what makes them tick.”
Muncaster believes that his company’s product can assist newly remodeled structures with insect prevention, leading to more comfortable living for both renters and homeowners.
“We’ve got something new,” Muncaster added. “I don’t think anybody in America has ever taken a systems look at construction to exclude insects and other pests. That’s what we’re doing.”
Although they’re not as luxurious, shipping containers are also serving as termite-free livable spaces (as well as commercial) for Florida residents.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, an “upcycled eco retreat” sits two-stories high, measures 1,200 square feet, has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and looks like a steel cabin. And when cared for properly, these shipping containers can last for up to 20 years.
“I call it, ‘upcycled’ because we are taking a container and repurposing it by bringing new life to it,” said real estate agent Rick Clegg.
These shipping container buildings, manufactured from iron and completely anti-termite, are great for anyone hoping to move away from their stressful bug-infested homes and into something a little less conventional.
“The structure is perfect for new homes,” said Mariano Bogani, Hollywood real estate agent and builder.
