How Do You Prevent Termites When Building a New Home in Arizona?

The most common termite species in Arizona – subterranean termites – rely on damp soil to survive. So, termite prevention starts much like construction: from the ground up. Follow these steps to avoid termites while building a new home:

• Treat the soil to form a chemical barrier that deters termites from burrowing beneath the construction site. 
• Use termite-resistant wood, such as pressure-treated lumber or cedar, which they are much less likely to infest. 
• Promote drainage by investing in great excavation. Grading and sloping will prevent water buildup, preventing more problems than just termites. 
• Keep wood off the ground, or at least off of soil. Store it on a tarp, on pavement, or slightly elevated on a stand. 
• Use galvanized steel and other barriers, especially near the ground level. This will make it very difficult for termites to access your space. 
• Limit the amount of wood that touches soil. Near your foundation, try using a concrete base to act as a barrier.
• Ensure the home is ventilated to avoid moisture problems that could otherwise attract termites to your property.