Abstract: The invention relates to a device (01, 20, 22) for repelling insects (03, 08) that move along the ground, particularly termites, so as to protect buildings or parts of buildings. The inventive device comprises a support element (12, 21, 23) that is made of an electrically insulating material and at least two electrical conductor elements (04, 05, 06) which are disposed thereupon parallel to and at a distance from each other and between which a voltage can be applied by means of a voltage source. The distance between the conductor elements (04, 05, 06) is at least slightly smaller than the length of the insects (03, 08) that are to be repelled such that the insects (03, 08) form a current-conducting connection between the conductor elements (04, 05, 06) when passing the support element (12, 21, 23) perpendicular to the conductor elements (04, 05, 06). Said conductor elements (04, 05, 06) run in a vertically staggered manner at different heights.