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How do I make my home termite proof?

  • Use termite-resistant building materials whenever possible. Redwood, cedar and juniper are all wood species that are less favorable to termites.
  • Eliminate standing water and chronically moist soil near your home. Termites need moist soil to survive and are attracted to wet areas.
  • Lay films of 6mm polyethylene in crawl spaces under foundations as a moisture barrier between the soil and subfloor framing.
  • Create and maintain good cross-ventilation through foundation wall vents to keep those crawl spaces as dry as possible.
  • Slope all exterior grades away from wood structures to maintain good drainage.
  • Prune back plants close to your home to prevent moisture and mold buildup on wood walls.
  • Water away from your home and adjust sprinklers to keep them from spraying directly onto wood walls and siding.
  • Seal all wood exposed to moisture using a weather sealer, especially exterior window frames and the bottom of wall edges.
  • Move all wood scraps and debris away from wood structures.
  • Create sand barriers in crawl spaces and under fence posts, patios and steps to deter subterranean termites. These termites cannot tunnel through sand.
  • Dig trenches 4 inches deep and 6 inches wide around wood structures. Fill the ditch with 16-grit sand (granules that are too large to be carried away and too small to be used to construct tunnels).
  • Fill cracks and repair broken seals in foundations and patios with 16-grit sand. This is especially helpful after foundation settling.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

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