Matsumi Housing Inc. Develops 'Miraporika MP Method,' a Physical, Chemical-Free Termite Proofing System Contributing to Health, Eco-Friendliness, and High Durability of Wooden Houses

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To improve a home's livability, the **foundation insulation method** is most suitable.

Within foundation insulation methods, **'exterior foundation insulation'** is the best approach.

The **'Exterior Foundation Insulation Method'** allows the underfloor space to have the same temperature and humidity environment as the indoors, unlike floor insulation or interior foundation insulation methods.

This makes it less likely for your feet to get cold in winter and maximizes the building's heating efficiency.

Also, since the concrete is not exposed to outside air, it minimizes thermal bridging, not only enhancing the building's insulation performance but also improving the durability of the concrete itself.

However, when adopting the **exterior foundation insulation method**, the insulation material is susceptible to **termite damage**, creating pathways for termites within the exterior insulation and increasing the risk of termites infiltrating the building's interior.

Although insulation materials containing termiticides are available, some theories suggest their effectiveness is limited.

Matsumi Housing Inc. has adopted 'Miraporika Foam,' an insulation material developed by JSP Corporation. **'Miraporika Foam'** is an insulation material made from foamed polycarbonate, developed specifically to be resistant to termite damage. Experiments at the Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, have also proven its resistance to termite damage.

Matsumi Housing Inc. uses 'Miraporika Foam' and applies termite-proofing treatment to the joints of the insulation, as well as the connection points between slab-on-grade concrete (like entrances) and the exterior foundation insulation. As a physical termite proofing method that does not rely on chemical treatments, we have developed and patented the 'Miraporika MP' method.

Since adopting the 'Miraporika MP' method in 2008, we have applied it to over 300 new homes, and to date, there has been **no termite damage**. There is no need to spray termite pesticides under the floor, on structural materials like foundation sills and pillars, or on the exterior.

Termite treatment for buildings typically involves chemical spraying once every five years. This means that as long as the building stands, you must perpetually spray termite pesticides.

With the 'Miraporika MP Method,' a single application at the time of new construction means **no further chemical treatment is ever needed.** This truly contributes to building homes that are gentle on the environment and people.

Watch out for winged termites!!

From April to early May in the Kanto region, winged termites emerge. Be cautious if you see winged termites flying out from your garden, around your house, or from inside your house.

There is a termite nest beneath them.

Yamato termite swarmers. If these appear, be cautious. There is a termite nest.

American drywood termite feces. If you suffer damage from them, it's extremely difficult to remedy.