coloradotrout wrote:
Should I proactively try to prevent termites, and if so, how?

I live in NE Kansas - partially wooded area with about 35" of rain a
year.

The house was built in 2000. Original owner has a pest company come
out and spray, set bait traps, etc. I'm inclinded to do as much as I
can myself. I'll spray a perimiter pest spray to keep down spiders,
etc. But what about termites? Is this a serious threat -- one worth
hiring the pros to prevent?

I do it myself. Spray around foundations and keep clear of debris. Few
years ago they hit my neighbor and treatment killed area colony(s).
Termites are fairly easy to spot by tunnels, swarming or infested wood.
The neighbor had done nothing, had an infested wood pile on dirt next to
house and did not notice problem until they swarmed in his basement.
I had spotted termites in the area as stumps close to house were
infested. My spraying and baiting kept them away.