Georgia Pest Control Practice Test

The minimum clearance between the wood in a building and the soil is?

1. 4 inches

2. 6 inches

3. 8 inches

4. 10 inches

The correct answer is: 6 inches

The minimum clearance between wood in a building and the soil is set at six inches to help protect the wood from moisture and pest infestations, such as termites. This clearance allows for adequate airflow and drainage, reducing the risk of wood decay and making it less accessible for pests that thrive in direct contact with soil. In many building codes and pest management guidelines, this six-inch rule is emphasized to ensure structural integrity and to mitigate the risk of termite activity, which can cause significant damage. In contrast, larger clearances are often unnecessary and could increase building costs without providing additional protection.