7 Pest Pro-Approved Ways to Keep Termites Out of Your Home—and Stop Damage Before It Starts

Termites silently cause billions of dollars in damage annually to homes across the United States. Preventing termite infestations is crucial since treatment can be costly. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your home from becoming a target for these destructive pests. We consulted with two entomology experts who shared their top recommendations for keeping termites at bay.

How to Prevent Termites From Damaging Your Home

According to Dr. Changlu Wang, an extension specialist in entomology, termites are the most destructive insects to homes. It is important to understand the basic biology, prevention, and control of termites.

“It is usually much easier and cheaper to conduct preventive work than to treat an infestation,” he says. “Property owners should follow common sense rules to avoid expensive treatment and repair afterwards.”

Avoid Wood to Soil Contact

Extension entomologist Dr. Michael Potter recommends eliminating wood components that are in contact with the soil. Earth-to-wood contact gives termites easy access to food, moisture, shelter, and direct, hidden entry into buildings. Wood siding, door and window frames, and any other wood trim should be at least six inches above ground level.

“Contrary to popular belief, pressure-treated wood is still vulnerable to termite attack. Termites often enter the wood through cracks and cut ends, or build tunnels over the surface,” Potter says.

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Manage Mulch Around House Foundations

Mulch is beneficial for plants, but can contribute to termite problems. Mulch is attractive to termites because of its moisture-retaining properties and its protection against temperature extremes. All mulch should be raked back at least six inches and should never be allowed to make contact with wood siding or door/window framing.

Repair Leaks and Divert Water

Wang recommends reducing moisture levels around your home and promptly repairing leaks in and outside your home. Gutters and downspouts should be properly installed and maintained to divert water away from your home. Leaking faucets, pipes, and air conditioning units should be repaired, and the ground next to the foundation should be sloped so that surface water drains away from the building.

Monitor Sprinkler Systems

Lawn sprinklers and irrigation systems should be oriented to minimize water puddling near the foundation.

Ventilate Crawl Spaces

Reduce moisture and humidity in crawl spaces by placing moisture barriers over the soil and adding vents. Vents should be kept free of leaves, dirt, and debris, and not be obstructed by vegetation. Seal cracks and holes on exterior walls to prevent moisture from getting inside the walls.

Store Firewood Properly

Never store firewood or wood debris against foundations or inside crawlspaces. Remove stumps and dead roots around structures.

Do Regular Inspections

By doing regular inspections of your home, you can identify early warning signs that indicate termite activity. By catching the problem early, you can often avoid extensive repairs and problems.

What to Do If Your Termite Prevention Fails

If preventive measures fail, call a pro. Choose a licensed pest management professional; they have the proper equipment, training, and knowledge of termite behavior and habitats to treat your home.

Pest control companies often offer free termite inspections and will share any conditions they uncover that lead to a termite infestation. Potter recommends having the home treated by a professional pest control firm before problems begin. The best way to prevent infestation is to protect it with a termiticide.

Once treated by a professional pest control company, maintain the warranty by paying the annual renewal fee. Should termites re-infest—which can happen even if the treatment was performed correctly—the company will return and retreat the affected area at no additional charge.