How to Protect Your Garden from Termite Infestations

Small termite on decaying timber in Bay Area, CA

You probably know that termites can cause extensive damage to a home. If you see a termite in your garden, you may feel panicked, but there is no need for alarm. Termites are in most yards, deep under the ground, and as long as they are not approaching your home, you probably don’t have much to worry about. Keeping them away from your house requires some proactive measures, however. Just as any other aspect of termite protection, garden protection requires vigilance on the part of the homeowner.

Best Landscaping Practices for a Termite-free Home

If you see termites, don’t attempt DIY treatments, especially insect spray. Because termites are subterranean, insecticides are often ineffective, and using sprays in your garden can compromise plant safety. You can keep termites from infesting your home by understanding the habits of these insects and designing your landscaping accordingly.

Get rid of dead wood. Considering that wood is the primary food source of termites, it makes sense that removing it from your property would deter termites. Rotting tree stumps, dead trees, and yard waste can all entice termites to set up camp in your yard. Firewood also attracts termites, so make sure yours is stored off the ground and at least 20 feet away from the house.
Consider that mulch is made of wood. If you have garden beds against the house, you can replace the mulch with river rock or gravel, which won’t invite a termite infestation. Rock and gravel can disperse rainwater and provide ground cover, without retaining the moisture that will attract termites.
Limit plants along your foundation. Keeping plants several feet away from the house can make it less attractive to termites. If you do want to have flowers and plants up against your house, consider using planters or window boxes made of termite-safe materials.
Keep foliage under control. Just as plants growing by the house can attract termites, trees, shrubs, and bushes growing near the home can do the same thing. Keep them trimmed back two to three feet from the house, to avoid providing easy access to your home for termites and other pests.
Manage water to keep termites away. Aside from food sources, moisture is the biggest draw for termites. Subterranean termites, in particular, need ample moisture to survive. Eliminating excess moisture around your property by establishing proper drainage can go a long way towards reducing the threat of termites. Additionally, keep water features clean, with water circulating properly, to avoid attracting not only termites but also other pests, including mosquitoes.
Build wooden structures away from the house. If you are adding on a porch or deck, make sure it is two inches away from your home’s exterior. That is close enough to be safe for people, and far enough away to discourage termites.

Pest Deterrents from the Professionals

Whenever you see termites on your property, your best move is to call for professional pest control. Pest control experts have access to methods and treatments that are not available to homeowners, and they have the knowledge and experience to eradicate termites from your property. Using termiticides, and termite barriers, they can create a comprehensive treatment plan that will eliminate existing termites and prevent future infestations.

Trust MightyMite Termite for Home Pest Control

To prevent termite damage in the Bay Area, call the termite control professionals at Mighty Mite Termite Services for a free inspection. At Mighty Mite, we’ve earned a reputation as experts in Bay Area termite control. We perform termite inspections to ensure that your home is free of termites and work hard to help you keep it that way, using termite treatments that are naturally derived, eco-friendly solutions. We diagnose and treat infestations with the most effective methods and unmatched warranties, solving your termite problems the first time, with an industry best “no call-back rate.” That, combined with our experience, technology, and highly trained professional staff, makes us the leading extermination company in the Bay Area. We understand that your home is your most important investment, so we work hard to provide excellent service, utilizing best practices to solve our customers’ termite problems. For more information, email Info@mightymitetermite.com, call us today at 408.335.7053, or contact us through our website.