Final answer:
To prevent termite infestation, it is crucial to break earth-to-wood contact (option a), incorporate masonry structural components in construction, and ensure proper moisture management around the building's foundation. Pesticides should be a last resort and chosen and applied carefully to minimize environmental disruption.
Step-by-step explanation:
To minimize the risk of termite infestation, certain strategies can be highly effective. Firstly, breaking earth-to-wood contact is crucial because it eliminates the direct pathway termites can use to enter a structure. This is often done by creating physical barriers such as metal termite shields or using construction methods that keep wood well above ground level.
While standard household pesticides may offer a temporary solution, they are typically not specialized enough to provide long-term termite control and can disrupt the environment if not used carefully. As such, it is advisable to use pesticides as a 'last resort' and to choose products that are targeted and non-persistent in the environment.
Another method involves the construction of buildings with masonry structural components, which termites cannot eat, therefore providing a more permanent solution against infestation. Additionally, historical construction methods in places such as the Deep South utilized pier and beam construction, which raises the flooring on platforms above the ground, not only preventing termite access but also promoting air circulation which combats wood rot and flooding.
Lastly, it is important to avoid increasing moisture content around the foundation of a building as termites are attracted to damp environments. Ensuring good drainage and proper ventilation will help in keeping the structure dry and less appealing to termites.
In conclusion, to minimize the risk of termite infestation, breaking earth-to-wood contact is crucial, utilizing masonry components in construction is beneficial, and it is important to maintain a dry environment around the foundation.