1. Eliminate Earth to Wood Contact Care should be taken to keep beauty bark, earth and gravel at least 6″ from the bottom course of exterior siding and trim. Earth to wood contact is the easiest way for insects to enter the structure, and keeping a minimum 6″ gap will eliminate conditions conducive to wood destroying organisms. Where soil is in contact with the siding or trim, the dirt, gravel, or debris should be pulled away from the building so...