Prevention
Vigilance is the key! Regular inspection of all wooden structures is mandatory. Learn how to do it yourself, or find a pest control company that is willing to provide annual termite monitoring services for a fee separate and distinct from any treatments.  Most termite infestations are slow to damage wood, so don't be scared into a hasty decision. Take time to research less toxic methods. To prevent dry wood termites, keep the exterior of the house well painted, sealing all cracks and keeping the outer skin in good shape.

• Repair any exterior feature that leaks moisture.
• Ideally, wood should be at least 8 inches above the soil.
• Metal termite shields composed of sheet metal strips bent into an "L" shape along one edge prevent termite entry through masonry walls.
• Wood stumps and other wood debris within 10 feet of wooden buildings should be removed (not buried).
• Firewood or lumber piles should be constructed so that no wood rests directly on the ground.
• Plant trees and large shrubs away from the house.
• Install sand barriers around the inside, outside, or both sides of existing foundations. Sand particles ranging in size from 10 to 16 mesh effectively block termites.

• Remove heavily damaged wood and replace it with sound wood.
• Dig out colonies of subterranean termites. The digging also creates openings in the nest that allow ants, especially fire ants, to enter and kill the rest of the colony. (A good reason to keep some fire ants on hand!)
• Break open the earthen termite tubes to cut off the connection between the colony and the house. Ants will help you here, too. They love to eat termites!

• Bio-Blast™, an EPA registered product, contains a fungus which kills termites.
• Beneficial nematodes, such as T-14™, are helpful for subterranean termites, but not EPA registered at this time, so professionals can't use this method, but it is available for private use.
• Borax-based products. Ask your pest control professional.
• Desiccating dusts (like diatomaceous earth). Caution: Don't breathe the dust or get in eyes. Post durable signs where future inspectors will see them and take appropriate precautions.