what to do when you find termites in your garden

• Remove the food sources. You can prevent an infestation or suppress its expansion by removing the food sources of the termites.
• Use plant-friendly termiticides. Termiticides come with different formulas. If you have edible plants, always look for non-toxic and safe pesticides.
• Install termite barriers on your home’s foundation. If the termites are still within your yard, have it exterminated right away. After that, install termite-proofing into your home.
• Call a professional exterminator. If all else fails, it’s best to call a local termite exterminator. ...

Full Answer

How to get rid of termites in your yard?

Here are five of the most effective ways to get rid of termites that have infiltrated your space. 1. Keep Moisture Under Control Damp spaces are hot spots for termites. If you’re a homeowner, you need to keep damp wood and areas at a minimum across your yard. A damp location is the preferred climate for termites.

How can I protect my home from termites?

Termite baits serve as an excellent early warning system and can be placed in strategic positions within the yard, near garden or veggie beds set away from your home. Bait stations serve as a barrier to intercept termites before they reach your home and eliminate colonies around the garden beds. We can help protect your home from termites

Can you find termites in your yard at night?

It’s not unusual for southern homeowners to find termites in their yard or garden while digging or planting. On rare occasions, you might even catch these insects above ground foraging at night. Termites have been known to collect grass pieces from your lawn to carry back to their nest.

Do you need to keep your garden looking after to keep termites?

Of course, common sense should prevail. These recommendations don’t mean having to maintain a barren landscape and that you can’t enjoy your garden. It’s more regular watering, or continual dampness in the wrong areas which can attract termites and cause problems.

How do I get rid of termites in my garden?

Do's of Termite Control in Organic GardensEliminate habitats where termites may nest. ... Use insect-killing nematodes. ... Use bait to kill termites. ... Remove the soil containing termites and replace it with “clean” soil. ... Do not use insecticide sprays. ... Using treated wood for raised gardens won't help.More items...•

Why are there termites in my garden?

Moisture is very important for subterranean termites. They love damp soil. The moisture content creates an ideal environment for them to survive and thrive. This is also another reason for gardens getting infested by termites as you need to water your garden regularly.

Should I be worried if I see termites in my yard?

They may cause structural damage—especially if your house is primarily built of wood. Even if the structure does not have a wood exterior, termites may cause structural damage by damaging walls, foundations and more. Termites could get into your home and feed on furniture, ceilings, floors and cabinets.

Can you kill termites in soil?

One popular method on how to get rid of termites involves treating the soil around your house with a termite insecticide, such as imidacloprid or fipronil. Wood can also be treated directly if termites are inside. Termite baits are strategically placed around your yard to lure termites in.

Will termites eat my garden?

Termites eat cellulose, a main ingredient in woody plants/materials, and we find them in decaying trees and logs as well as in our homes. Typically we don't hear much about them destroying garden plants, but because termites thrive in moist areas, damp soil in a bed or container provides a nesting ground.

Does garden soil attract termites?

Raised beds attract termites because they provide the ideal living conditions for them. The raised bed is typically made from wood that the termites eat. The decaying organic matter, moist environment, and protection makes it a convenient place for them.

What happens if you disturb termites?

By disturbing the Termites you can cause the problem to intensify as Termites will probably retreat from the disturbed area and re–appear to attack elsewhere in your home.

What kills termites instantly?

Bifen XTS is a fast-acting, oil-based termiticide that can kill termites in 24 hours by attacking their nervous systems. This treatment is not recommended for use indoors. Spray it around the perimeter of your home to kill termites.

How do you know if you have termites in your garden?

Take a look at the top signs of termite activity below:You can hear them! You may need a stethoscope to hear them properly but termites do make sounds. ... Evidence of Swarming. ... Blisters in Wood flooring. ... Hollow and damaged wood. ... Tight fitting doors and windows. ... Mud Tubes on Wood or trees. ... Termite droppings (Also called frass)

Do termites go away on their own?

Yes, they can go away on their own. Why is it a scary answer? Because you never know when they are going to come back! Without a termite treatment, there is no way of knowing when a healthy termite colony will return to re-infest a structure.

How do you kill termites without killing plants?

Orange oil works wonders without killing plants. Use it as a spray for termite-infested places, or bore holes into infested wood and pump orange oil into it. You can also pump the oil into termite infested trees as it won't do anything to those tress.

Can vinegar kill termites?

Vinegar is the wonder material for your home. Not only can you use it to clean everything from your kitchen counter to shower, but you can also use it to kill termites. Just mix up a half a cup of it with the juice from two lemons, and you've got your termite killer.

Are termites harmful to plants?

Symptoms. Termites can attack plants at all growth stages, from seedlings to mature plants. They damage roots, shown first in the upper parts of the plant as wilting.

What kills termites instantly?

Bifen XTS is a fast-acting, oil-based termiticide that can kill termites in 24 hours by attacking their nervous systems. This treatment is not recommended for use indoors. Spray it around the perimeter of your home to kill termites.

What to do if termites are still in yard?

If the termites are still within your yard, have it exterminated right away. After that, install termite-proofing into your home. Termite barriers made of polyethylene films can be installed around the foundations and all parts of your home in contact with the ground.

What is the best way to keep termites out of your garden?

If there’s one spot in your garden that will be the most attractive to termites, it would be your mulch. As a gardener, mulches are excellent insulation for plants during winter. It keeps moisture for long which lets your berries and leafy greens thrive during dry seasons.

What is a termite mound?

A termite mound is an above-ground harborage of a termite colony. When you see a small pile of compact soil on your garden, mound-building termites may be on your property. The bigger the mound gets, the more expansive the termite colony becomes.

How do you know if you have termites in your garden?

Signs that you have termites in your garden. Termites are attracted to moisture and a steady source of food. These are what your garden provides. A moist mulch and wood are irresistible to these destructive insects. Termites might be small, but their colonies bring up to $5 billion damages annually in the U.S. alone.

How long does it take for a termite to eat 2x4?

This species is highly invasive and can eat a 2” x 4” wood in just 25 days. Once it gets into your property, it will be impossible to control using DIY methods or over-the-counter termiticides. If you notice that branches of your yard tree are dying, it could be a sign that termites are infesting your yard.

What type of wood is termite proof?

Many home gardeners use pine sleepers or railway sleeper to contain their mulch or to elevate their soil beds. Also, these types of wood are termite-proof since it’s pre-treated to last long.

Why do termites have mud tubes?

Mud tubes are pathways of Subterranean termites. They create these tubes to retain the moisture of their bodies, something that they can’t live without. Also, it shields them against predators.

How long does it take for termites to die in a garden?

It will take from 3 to 7 days in order for them to die. Another method that you can use in order to answer the question of how can you get rid of termites in your garden soil is by using poisoned bait. By using this method you won’t have to spray or even come into contact with chemicals.

How do you know if you have termites?

There are different ways that you can understand whether you have termites or not. First of all, you will notice that you’ll have wood damage. They will chew the wood and as a result, it will weaken and will be destroyed. Check the surface of the wood in order to see whether it’s been infected or not.

How to kill termites with boric acid?

What you need to do is to mix the boric acid with water and then apply it to the infected area . You can use a paintbrush or a spray in order to apply it.

What color are drywood termites?

You can find this type in timber, wood and hardwood floors. Their color is light brown to creamy white and they have a long, narrow and oval shape.

How to check if a wood is infected?

Check the surface of the wood in order to see whether it’s been infected or not. If you want to check the wood then you can use a screwdriver and a flashlight. Use the screwdriver to check the strength. If you can remove it quite easily and it falls out then termites are here. Additionally, termites have wings.

What family are termites?

These termites belong to the Hadotermitidae and Kalotermitidae families . You will not find this type in your house but you will find them in the woods close to the soil. Their color is brown to creamy white, they have long, narrow and oval shape. Their size can vary from ½ to 5/8 inches long.

What are the different types of termites?

Types of Termites. There are 3 different types of termites. We have the dampwood termites, the drywood termites, and the subterranean termites. These 3 types have different characteristics and we will find them in different places. The dampwood termites can mainly be found in woods that are quite moist.

What is the best climate for termites?

A damp location is the preferred climate for termites. Wherever moisture collects, termites will be there. Hot spots like logs, branches, kid’s toys, or other backyard items are all threats. If you want more of a barrier between termites, your garden, and eventually your home, install a liquid termite barrier.

How long does it take for a termite to die?

After prolonged exposure, the termite will eventually die. This takes about three to seven days on average. If you’re not keen on the use of insecticides, don’t worry. Boric acid is one of the less toxic insecticides in comparison to the competition.

What is the termite in 2020?

September 4, 2020. in Pest Control. by Daniel Hickey. 0. Termites are more than a nuisance in your home. If you notice termites in garden settings, it’s easy to panic. Termites are naturally occurring in soils. Once you’ve found termites in the garden, that means they’ve found a food source. Termites feed on cellulose existent in wood ...

Why are nematodes beneficial to termites?

Because of their gut bacterium, nematodes are an effective natural insecticide. A microscopic organism, once a nematode enters a termite’s body the process is underway. The release of the bacteria mentioned poisons the termite’s blood and slowly kills them. Nematodes live in a variety of habitats and are easy to find.

Do termites live in wood?

Termites feed on cellulose existent in wood and plant roots. Termites will stay hidden when first spreading. Especially in an outdoor setting, seeing termites in the larval stage is difficult. However, once they’ve grown, termites are attracted to light sources and will be active in a garden setting.

Does insect spray kill termites?

Insect spray will kill your plants, but it won’t do a good job of killing the termites. Termites on the surface might be affected by this process, but your problem is deeper. If you have a true termite infestation you’ll need to kill the colony at its roots, buried deep in the soil.

How do I get rid of termites in my garden?

So, how to get rid of termites in the garden? There’re so many different methods of DIY and professional anti-termite treatments that it’s not surprising to get confused. There’re several things you can do for the termites in your garden: 1 Baiting stations. 2 Soil treatment. 3 Wood treatment. 4 Foam.

How to get rid of termites in flower beds?

The best way to do so – is to dig slightly your flowerbeds, if they are covered with any kind of mulch (it creates good conditions for subterranean termites to nest) and around the tree roots.

What does it mean when a termite swarms?

Termite swarm means the colony has reached its full development and might already be there for few years, then you should consider yourself lucky, if you still don’t have them in your house, but there can be other signs: Hollowed wood. Termites in soil.

What to do when you find a small infestation in your garden?

When you find a small infestation in the garden, for example in a stump, your first instinct might be to burn it . It’s simple, doesn’t take much time and everyone inside is definitely dead afterwards. Don’t rush, remember that that way would work only with drywood termites.

What is the life cycle of termites?

Termite life cycle – from egg to larvae. And social hierarchy: workers, soldiers, queen. Did you know that termites can infest living trees, for example a palm or a pine tree. They also like to live in stumps.

When to use foam in garden?

Foam is usually used when the structure is already infested. There’re termiticides with the delayed poisonous action, that you can use for foaming. So, when you’ve found a sump or a tree in your garden that shelters a colony, you can inject the foam into the crevices and holes.

Can you tell if a termite is an ant?

When you find the insects, make sure it’s termites and not ants, so you don’t waste your time fighting a wrong enemy. Advice! If you’re not sure that you can tell termite from an ant , you can collect some samples and bring them to your local pest control office for the identification.

How do I know if I have termites in my house?

The first step would be to verify that there is a termite infestation. Some signs of infestation are floors that sag, damage to the foundation that causes holes, and any random holes that are found in the foundation or wood. If you find a hole in the foundation take a screwdriver and push it through the wood.

Where can I find termites?

The two different types of termites are drywood termites and subterranean termites. Typically you will find the subterrane an termites in coastal areas and warm areas while the dry wood termites are found pretty much anywhere. The subterranean termites are also typically located both in the soil and the wood while the dry wood typically only infests ...

What to look for when looking for termite droppings?

You can also look for termite droppings near any of the holes. When looking for termite waste, look for pellets that are wood colored. Once you have verified that you have a termite infestation, ...

How long can termites live on wood?

Keep the item in the sunlight as long as you are able to. The preferable minimum time keeping the piece of wood in the sun is about 2 or 3 days.

How long do nematodes stay in the house?

The beneficial nematodes will kill the termite host within about 48 hours. You can also keep the nematodes in your house for an extended period of time if you find that you haven’t used them. They need to be stored in the refrigerator until they are ready to be used.

Why is it important to protect yourself from termites?

A home can be one of the largest investments that a person can make so it is important that they know ways to protect themselves against termites. One of the biggest advantages that termites have is that most people aren’t aware of how to protect themselves against infestation. The first step would be to verify that there is a termite infestation.

Do subterranean termites do more damage than dry termites?

It is important to understand what type of termites you are dealing with because the subterranean termites may need a different type of method of treatment. They can also do a lot more damage than the dry wood termites. There are methods with trying to get rid of the termites by yourself without pest control.

How do you know if you have termites in your yard?

Another sign of termites is the remnants of the wings that are discarded after the swarmers land.

What happens if you find termites on a tree stump?

If you discover termites on a tree stump in your yard, your natural instinct will be to forcibly evict these dangerous pests.

What is the most visible sign of a termite infestation?

Consequently, the most visible sign of a termite infestation is a swarm of flying termites. However, there’s also a decent chance that the swarming insects you think are termites are in fact ants.

What is the difference between a flying ant and a winged termite?

Winged termites have equal length wings, straight antennae and a straight waist. Flying ants have wings that are different sizes, bent antennae and a pinched waist. The wings of winged termites are clear, while those of flying ants are often brown-tinted.

Why do termites swell wood?

The excrement and mud created by termites as they devour wood may trap moisture and heat, which can, in some extreme cases, make the wood itself swell. Doors and windows whose timber is swollen may become so tight-fitting that it becomes hard to open and close them.

What do termites do to wood?

Once inside the wood, termites create tunnels —also referred to as galleries. These galleries can be seen on the inside of split wood that’s been damaged by termites and can sometimes even be seen along the exterior. As the termites consume the wood from the inside, they leave a thin veneer of timber or overlying paint.

How do termites evolve?

The larva becomes a pupa, which later turns into an adult ant. Termites undergo incomplete metamorphosis with only three stages of development. Adult termites lay eggs that hatch into nymphs, and the nymphs later grow into adult termites. A male ant dies after mating with the female.

Detecting Termite Infestations

Each year, termites cause billions of dollars in damage. They ruin wooden furniture, eat through books, and cause structural issues in buildings. As such, it's important to act quickly on signs of termite activity to prevent infestations.

Prevention & Removal

Once individuals suspect they have termite infestations, it's important to contact the professionals at Orkin for an assessment. Pest control specialists have the necessary knowledge and tools to identify the termite activity and offer the best methods of removal.

5 ways to get rid of termites in your yard

What it is: The foam termiticide Termidor contains the chemical fipronil, which paralyzes termites gradually and causes them to die. After you spray the foam and it evaporates, it leaves a residue that begins affecting termites as soon as they touch it.

Some things you should not do

While some DIY methods are effective at treating termite infestations in the yard, others are not effective.

Signs of termites in your yard

Termite colonies live deep underground or inside wood structures, and they’re primarily active at night. That means you may never see the termites themselves.

When to call an exterminator

Termites are very difficult pests to control with DIY methods because they live in large termite colonies and stay hidden most of the time. If you don’t want to have to call an exterminator, your best bet is to prevent termites in your yard in the first place.