There are lots of reasons to landscape! A nice yard is a good excuse to spend quality time outside, and you can even increase your property value! One unexpected pitfall of landscaping is the renewed possibility of termites! Even if you are satisfied with your current termite situation (or lack thereof), there are certain elements of the landscaping process that can invite those hungry, destructive critters back onto your property. Even if your home has already been treated for termites, a large-scale project involving their favorite food source may bring them right back to your home. The following are a few anti-termite tips to keep your property pest-free!
Can Termites Return After Treatment?
If you have an annual termite contract, the likelihood of termites returning is slim. That’s because you have a team of experts on your side who regularly check on your property to make sure there are no sudden signs of re-infestation. If termites have returned to your property, they were likely invited by some enticing, delicious change, such as cluttered gutters, firewood, vegetation, new mud, or landscaping projects.
Uncovering Termites During Landscaping Projects
If you are in love with your new landscaping project, you may not be the only one! Termites are avid admirers of fresh soil, mulch, and vegetation involved in landscaping projects. If you think your property is termite-free, don’t be surprised if landscapers find termites hiding within the following areas:
· Extraneous Damp Wood
· Foliage and Shrubbery
· Leaf Piles
· Mulch Piles
· Dead Trees
· Firewood Storage
If you do find signs of termites, contact DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control immediately to come out to re-treat your property. Recently landscaped areas may disturb the already treated soil. For example, if the soil is added, removed, or disturbed, it absolutely needs to be re-treated. Make sure to communicate to your pest control company if you have made any soil changes so they can conduct a termite touch-up!
Prevent Termites with Landscaping and Yardwork Tips
Thankfully, there are ways to prevent termites from breaching your property, even if you are about to embark on a project involving landscaping materials. Whether you are rejuvenating your garden, planting trees, or building fences, the following tips will help you avoid a termite re-infestation.
Munching on Mulch: Metairie Termite Control’s Worst Nightmare
Mulch is great for landscaping, and your garden, but it is also a termite’s favorite food. Mulch provides a warm, moist environment in which to feed and even procreate. If the mulch is close to the walls of your home, the termites will use it as an opportunity to expand their colony while maintaining a home base in the cozy pile.
While adding mulch to your garden, avoid adding it to the garden beds next to your home. A good habit is to make sure there is at least a 4-inch barrier between the mulch and your home. There are other attractive options, however, that do not attract termites:
· Rubber Mulch
· Gravel
· Rocks
· Pine Straw
Foliage, Shrubbery, and Branches
Maintain a substantial barrier between shrubs and your foundation (at least 3 feet) to prevent root-munching termites from traveling to your home. Because termites are constantly searching for sources of food, it is advisable to monitor your live foliage. If plants such as shrubs and trees make contact with wooden surfaces, such as walls, it makes it easier for termites to access your home. Regularly trim the branches, so they do not touch your house.
Gear Up for Gutter Maintenance
Another source of wet, yummy termite food is your gutters! In fact, gutters look a lot like a delicious, all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of perfectly prepared food to a termite colony. Regularly maintain and clean your gutters to eliminate the food source and create a good drainage system for your roof.
Implement Barriers Between Soil and Wood
To further prevent termite activity near your home, you can implement concrete, bricks, or metal edging between your garden beds and your home.
Standing Wood Piles. If you store firewood in your yard or shed, make sure it is a far enough distance from your home that it does not attract hungry termites. Here are some other handy firewood tips:
· Raise your firewood between 8-12 inches off the ground
· Cover with a tarp when it rains, to prevent moisture retention
· Do not spray your firewood with insecticides or chemicals. This can be extremely dangerous to burn. If you have infested firewood, throw it away and implement protection procedures for the new wood.
Leave Room for Your Local Termite Control Technician
The more room the merrier! Your technician needs room to move around between your house and your landscaping. In order for your pest professional to perform the best inspection and treatment possible, remember to leave a little pest control wiggle room during your next landscaping project.
Call Dial One Franklynn Pest Control for Local Termite Control!
Even if you’ve done everything right, termites can still resiliently defy all barriers and infiltrate your property. Just remember, termite retreatment is not a failure. Your annual contract protects your property against termite population and re-infestation. If you notice signs of termites on your property, don’t hesitate to call DIAL ONE Franklynn Pest Control!
