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A layer of pea gravel or crushed stone, 4 inches thick and sloped 5%, provides a pest-resistant ground break around the perimeter of a slab foundation

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This exterior insulated slab-on-grade monolithic grade beam foundation is protected from pests by termite shield at the sill plate, borate-treated framing, flashing at end of wall insulation, brick veneer over slab-edge insulation, and rock ground cover.

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An externally insulated slab-on-grade is pest-protected by a metal termite shield under sill plate, metal-flashing-wrapped foam under siding, a removable inspection strip of PVC-covered foam, and 2 feet of gravel next to the foundation.

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This house with an insulated slab is protected from pests with a termite shield at the sill plate, borate-treated framing, insect screen covering bottom of furring air gap, and brick veneer over slab-edge insulation

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Pest-Resistant Ground Cover at Foundation Perimeter

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Guide describing methods for installing pest-resistant ground cover around foundations to resist borrowing rodents and other pests.

This plumbing pipe is wrapped with a stainless steel mesh skirt that is clamped to the pipe before the concrete slab is poured to to keep out bugs and rodents

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Pest protection measures include a termite shield under the rim joist and extending out on either side of the stem wall, insect screening under the furring air gap, and brick veneer to protect slab-edge insulation.

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Back to Basics: Termites and Building Construction

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Video presentation from PMP TV covering different building strategies as they relate to different slab and foundation types and building materials to keep out termites.

Air Sealed, Insulated Basements

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Guide describing how to insulate a basement to improve the overall thermal performance of the building and provide more dry, usable conditioned space for home occupants and HVAC equipment.

Screens and Other Deterrents for Birds, Rodents, and Other Pests

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Guide describing methods to keep birds, rodents, and other pests out of vent openings and other locations in new and existing homes.