As a former pest control guy, I say it depends. Ideally, a space of 1-2 feet without bedding around home slabs built after the ban of chlordane (1988) is recommended. This allows for a minimum 1' wide x 1' deep angled termite trench treatment to be applied (required in my state) and reapplied every 5-10 years (product degradation). Disturbance requires retreatment of the affected area to fully protect your home. Bedding, especially wood chips, are pest havens. I've seen new construction only a month old with termite mud tunnels leading from relatively fresh wood chips directly into weep holes three feet from the front door. Older homes with chlordane treatments applied under the moisture barrier below the slab have termite protection for at least 30 years. Barrier space wasn't as critical for older construction. It also depends upon the required dimensions for a barrier treatment for your state. More rigid codes (like Florida) require more extensive trenches. If you live in an area with Formosan termites, I highly recommend adequate stand-off space.
I was told by a Pest Control guy that we should never have plants against the house. What are your thoughts?
Good question
I think that might mainly be about making sure the soil doesn’t touch the house above the damp course.
As a former pest control guy, I say it depends. Ideally, a space of 1-2 feet without bedding around home slabs built after the ban of chlordane (1988) is recommended. This allows for a minimum 1' wide x 1' deep angled termite trench treatment to be applied (required in my state) and reapplied every 5-10 years (product degradation). Disturbance requires retreatment of the affected area to fully protect your home. Bedding, especially wood chips, are pest havens. I've seen new construction only a month old with termite mud tunnels leading from relatively fresh wood chips directly into weep holes three feet from the front door. Older homes with chlordane treatments applied under the moisture barrier below the slab have termite protection for at least 30 years. Barrier space wasn't as critical for older construction. It also depends upon the required dimensions for a barrier treatment for your state. More rigid codes (like Florida) require more extensive trenches. If you live in an area with Formosan termites, I highly recommend adequate stand-off space.