Avoid moisture
accumulation near the foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning
downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Ground near the foundation needs
to be sloped or graded in order for surface water to drain away from the
building. Poor draining may need tiles or drains installed. Termites and
ants are attracted to moisture.
Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Crawl spaces should have ventilation openings in the foundation at the rate of two square feet per 25 linear feet of foundation wall. One vent needs to be within five feet of each exterior corner of the building. Prevent shrubs, vines and other vegetation from growing over and covering the vents. It is important to have maximum cross-ventilation. Install polyethylene sheeting over 75 to 85 percent of the soil surface in crawl spaces to reduce excess moisture. |
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Before and during construction, never bury wood scraps or waste lumber
in the backfill, especially near the building. Be sure to remove old form
boards, grade stakes, etc. left in place after the building was constructed.
Remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath the building. Never
stack or store firewood lumber or other wood products against the foundation
or within the crawl space. Prevent trellises, vines, etc. from touching
the house. (Prevent any potential hidden paths of termite entry into the
structure which could bypass any termiticide soil barrier already in place.)
Use termite metal shields on interior walls extending two inches out and
two inches down at a 45 degree angle from the wall. This noncorrosive
metal should have no cracks and be at least 12 inches above the ground.
The concrete foundation should be reinforced to prevent cracking. Use
concrete or steel supports, steps, etc. when in contact with soil.
Borates (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) and/or wolmanized pressure-treated
wood (chromated copper arsenate) protects against termites and wood decay
fungi. However, even railroad ties, telephone poles and pressure treated
wood, over time, can be subject to termite attack. Mud tubes can be built
over the surface or entry gained through cut and cracked ends.
Most importantly, eliminate any wood contact with the soil. An 18 inch
gap between the soil and wooden portions of the building is ideal. However,
at least try to maintain six to eight inches between ground level and
porch steps, lattice work, door or window frames, etc. Pull or grade soil
back away from the foundation. Wood posts and stairs embedded in concrete
can also be paths of entry by termites.
Wood mulch can attract termites, especially when damp and moist. When
mulch is used, avoid contact against the wood siding or frames of doors
and windows. Pea gravel or crushed stone are much less attractive to termites,
ants, pillbugs, millipedes, earwigs, crickets, etc.
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