Most modern “brick house" walls are actually constructed of a wood frame, with plywood sheathing and a moisture barrier applied on the exterior side, then the brick is installed as a veneer/facing over it. The photo above shows an example of one under construction. There is an air gap between the wall construction and the brick veneer to allow any moisture that gets behind the brick to drain harmlessly down the face of the moisture barrier to the ground. 

   That gap is where brick homes are most vulnerable to termites because, once they find any small opening underground (two subterranean termites will fit on the head of a match with room to spare), the air gap becomes a concealed vertical highway for them to reach the wood in the house without being noticed. You will likely not find out that they have been destroying the walls of your home until significant structural damage has been done.

    It’s best for the termite-protection of a house that a builder start the brick facing about 6-inches above the ground This creates an exposed area that the termites must cross with their slender mud tubes visible, as that they search upwards to find the the wood in your home. But most builders extend the brick veneer into ground because it looks more substantial that way—which creates the potential problem of invisible termite access.

    We always recommend that homeowners with this type of construction maintain a termite bond from a local pest control company that includes regular inspections for their protection and peace of mind. 

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To learn more about termites, see these other blog posts:

• How do termites get into a concrete block house?

• Should I be worried about termites if my neighbor's house is being tented?

• Is the WDO (termite) inspector allowed to poke holes in my wood siding and trim? 

• How long before closing can you have a WDO (termite) inspection done?

• How long does Bora-Care® last? 

• Why is it a mistake to store lumber in the crawl space under a house?

• Does the presence of carpenter ants in a house indicate that there are probably also termites? 

• How do termites infest a house and remain hidden while doing major damage?

• Are homes in Florida required to have termite protection? 

• If termite damage appears to be old, does that mean that termites may no longer be present?

• How do I know if my WDO/termite report is "clear"? 

• When do termites swarm in Florida?

• Does a recent termite company inspection sticker mean there are no termites? 

• Can a mobile/manufactured home get termites?

• Do I have to tent the house if I have termites? 

• What is the difference between a subterranean termite and a drywood termite?

• What are the green plastic discs in the ground around the house? 

• What is a termite shield? 

• Do termites eat concrete?

• What is a clean WDO?  

• What do termites eat?

• Do I really need a termite-WDO inspection? 

• Does wood chip mulch in the yard attract termites?

• I think I have termites. What does a termite look like?

• I'm buying a concrete block house. Do I still need a termite inspection? 

• I saw a little termite damage on the baseboard. Should I be concerned?

   Visit our TERMITES, WOOD ROT AND PESTS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.