Dr. Michael Waldvogel, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service entomologist at N.C. State University suggests these precautions for termites:

• Make sure the wooden siding of your house does not touch the ground.

• Repair any cracks in the foundation of your home.

• Do not allow mulch such as wood chips to touch the foundation of your house.

• Do not store cardboard boxes, newspaper, telephone books or other wood-based products in your crawlspace or in an area that touches the ground. Be careful when storing these items in your garage or basement.

• Keep shrubs trimmed so that they are at least 6 inches from the house.

• If you are building an addition to your house, use pressure-treated wood whenever possible. Cap the foundation with solid blocks or filled bricks or install a sheet-metal termite shield.

• Make sure there is at least an 18-inch clearance between the ground and floor joists within your crawlspace.

• Get an annual termite inspection.