Do not build flower planters against the house. Install trellises, vines, and trim plants so they do not contact the house.A minimum of 6 to 8 inches between ground level and porch steps, latticework, door or window frames, etc., is recommended. Check decks and wooden fences regularly for damage.Use concrete or steel supports, steps, etc., when in contact with soil. Keep all wooden parts of the house foundation at least 6 inches above the soil, although an 18-inch gap between the soil and wooden portions of the building is ideal.Provide proper ventilation in the basement or crawl space to eliminate moisture (e.g., enhance cross ventilation, screen and remove any vegetation covering vents, etc.).Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes.Promptly repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and air conditioning units.Pull or grade the ground near the foundation for surface water to drain away from the building.Divert water away with properly maintained clean downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks. Avoid moisture accumulation near the foundation.What Can Homeowners Do to Prevent An Infestation? Eliminate Moisture Problems: However, even railroad ties, telephone poles, and pressure-treated wood can be subject to termite attacks over time. The use of insecticides like borates (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) and/or pressure-treated wood (chromated copper arsenate) protect against termites and wood decay fungi. It is more important to take your time to select a reputable pest control firm. Termites feed slowly, so taking a few weeks to decide on your termite control program makes little difference. "Do-it-yourself" products, sold to homeowners at retail stores or bought over the internet, will seldom eradicate an existing termite problem. A typical treatment may involve hundreds of gallons of a liquid pesticide, known as a termiticide, injected into the ground alongside the foundation, beneath concrete slabs, and within foundation walls. Termite control also utilizes specialized equipment such as masonry drills, pumps, large-capacity tanks, and soil treatment rods. Many of these potential points of entry are hidden and difficult to access. Knowledge of building construction is needed to identify the critical areas where termites are likely to enter. Ridding a home of termites requires special skills and is a job for professionals.
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