The first tip is to eliminate wood contact with the ground. When there is earth to wood contact, these pesky insects can easily migrate to and into hardwoods. This is where they make their homes, feed, and multiply. When it comes to wood contact, this not only includes wood exteriors to homes, but also decking and wooden outdoor furniture. To prevent against an infestation, it will be important to make sure that your home exterior has at least a six-inch barrier from siding or lattice work and that decks have concrete bases. Sometimes, prevention is in the details. If you are in a particularly vulnerable area, you should avoid outside wood furniture and wood mulch, as well.
The same thing goes for wood that is exposed to water and moisture. The thing that makes wood especially attractive to termites is moisture. When wood is moist, it provides the perfect environment to live. With food, water, and shelter, they will be free to multiply. Make sure that rainfall is directed away from the foundation of your house and that decks are sealed and protected against water damage. You should also make sure that your sprinkler systems do not have an puddling problems because even this can attract termites. Humidity can also be a problem. Make sure that your home is well insulated and kept dry, especially crawl spaces and attics.
If you store firewood on your property, make sure that it is far away from the foundation of your house. Not only should you eliminate wood contact with the ground, but also with your exterior. These environments are perfect for termites, and they will have closer access to your home. If they are stacked against your house, it won't matter if you have a six-inch barrier from the ground. This also holds true for other cellulose-based materials such as cardboard boxes and newspapers.