Leave at least 2 inches of clearance between soil-filled porches and planter boxes and the house. This spacing does not prevent infestation, but allows free air movement and an opportunity for visual inspection or mechanical control.

Eliminate all wood-to-soil contacts, including attached fence posts, stair casings, trellises and door facings

The soil level should be at least 6 to 8 inches below the top of the foundation or wall covering. Although this clearance does not prevent construction of shelter tubes over the foundation, it does allow visual inspection. 

A plastic film used to cover at least 70 percent of the area underneath the house may prevent moisture build-up in the subflooring. Place foundation wall vents opposite each other and close enough to the corners of the foundation to provide cross flow ventilation and eliminate dead air spaces. 

Wood exposed to consistant wetting from rain should be pressure-treated. Wood marked "Wolmanized " is worth the added cost.

Seal foundation openings, such as for plumbing wraps and service utilities, with a good grade of roofing coal tar pitch or rubberoid bituminous sealer.

Remove cellulose material, such as wood scraps or stumps, from underneath and around foundations.