Do not locate buildings over waste-wood burial sites. Also, cinder blocks, bricks or other hollow masonry in contact with wood and soil should be moved or capped shut with reinforced concrete or a metal shield. Any crack or gap in the foundation or plumbing is a potential point of entry and must be sealed. Wooden shingles or supports should have at least 8 inches of clearance above the soil or the termites may construct connecting tubes above ground for a short distance. These tubes are visible signs of an infestation.
High humidity helps promote termite infestations.
Make sure that crawl spaces are well ventilated. If soil below the building is very moist, consider a barrier such as roofing paper to reduce moisture in structural wood. Poor grading or improper watering can cause soil around foundations to stay moist and favor termites. A chemical barrier can prevent termites from reaching wooden structures as they tunnel through the soil. This is most effective when applied during construction.