Termites in garden soil are one example of termite presence you might encounter.
This is where the focus of this article will be. If you’ve recently noticed white ants in soil, you might want to find out how to deal with such by reading on.
Termites In Soil Garden
Termites are among pests that cannot be easily controlled especially when dealing with a tough case of infestation.
These can be found on wood, in raised garden beds, around landscaping close to foundations, as well as in floorboards, etc.
Termite presence signals danger and such pests can be highly destructive when not tackled fast.
This article will still prove helpful by providing preventive tips to keep termites at bay.
Certain Actions and Inactions Could Result in Termite Presence in Garden Soil
A lot of times, homeowners are oblivious to their role in making their property attractive to termites. There are also times when people could move into homes with termite issues without knowing.
Here, some investigations should have been done beforehand.
Termites are attracted to cellulose-rich materials which serve as their primary food source. So, their presence in your garden soil points to the likelihood of a food source nearby.
Having untrimmed foliage, overgrown grass, piled wood or logs having direct contact with the ground, etc are clear termite attractions.
How To Detect Termite Presence In Garden Soil
Subterranean termites are largely the culprits when it comes to termites in soil.
You’ll need to be able to identify the signs of their presence to ensure infestation situations don’t worsen. Speaking of signs to look out for, there are several of them that include dying trees, mud tubes, and mounds.
Other tell-tale signs of termite presence include holes in wood and white ant-like creatures around your garden. Any of these is a clear sign of trouble that should be quickly addressed before it gets out of hand.
Let’s further discuss these points for more clarity.
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Dying Trees
When termites are present in garden soil, one of the likely signs you might notice is a dying tree.
A species of subterranean termites known as Formosan termites are known to be the most destructive of all species. Formosan termite colonies can house upwards of a million members.
Asides from their huge numbers, they rapidly destroy anything that looks like food.
This includes live trees as well as bushes. So, when such vegetations begin to die without an apparent reason, the cause might be below the soil. Further probing might reveal these destructive pests.
In all cases, it’s best to avoid DIY termite control as such techniques won’t yield many results. Having a pest technician carry out such treatment helps a great deal to keep these pests in check.
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Mud Tubes
One of the clear signs of termites in garden soil is the presence of mud tubes. These are passageways used by subterranean termites to get to a food source.
The mud tubes are built to protect termites from moisture loss. With the protection of these tubes, termites can go about their activities unhindered.
You’ll have to carefully take a look around your garden for signs of mud tubes. When these are seen, it’s time to seek professional help. Urgent action is necessary as each passing day worsens the condition.
You’ll need to prevent these destructive pests from getting close to your home’s foundation.
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Mounds
Apart from finding mud tubes scattered about your garden, termite presence can also be confirmed by a mound or mounds showing up.
This usually consists of compact soil and is an above-ground structure that houses these pests. Larger mounds mean more complex or difficult termite problems.
In other words, larger mounds signal bigger termite populations. The response for many homeowners will be to demolish the mound. However, that does little to solve the problem.
As a matter of fact, such action only worsens your termite issues. You should have a professional pest technician have a look and offer solutions.
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Holes in Wood
When you begin to see holes in the wood around your garden area, it’s a sign that termites may be around. This is further confirmed when frass appears around the hole openings.
Wood is a rich source of cellulose, hence its attraction to termites. These pests will readily feed on damp wood as well as drywood.
Wood having direct soil contact is likely to be most affected compared to those not making contact with the soil. It’s important to not take such signs lightly as termites can cause significant damage when ignored for long.
As always, your best bet is to call a professional pest technician for inspection and treatment.
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White Ant-Like Creatures
A lot of times, people mistake white termites they find in garden soil for ants. The reality is; these are termites.
Whenever you find such, you need to understand there are thousands or possibly millions of other members beneath your soil. Getting rid of them completely should be your main goal.
Termite Attractions to Garden Soil
Whenever you find termites in your garden, it’s mostly because there’s a food source close by. Favorable conditions could include mulch, dead wood, piles of wood, as well as overgrown trees and bushes.
Mulching is a great way to retain moisture and provide insulation for plants during winter.
While providing this benefit, it’s also a ready attraction for termites. To address this problem, you’ll have to use certain mulching materials like pine straws or other termite-resistant mulching materials.
Deadwood consists of both tree trunks as well as fallen branches.
When these are allowed to sit on the ground for long, they’re likely to attract termites. As a matter of fact, a termite colony might be formed around such an area.
Also, piles of wood stacked around the garden are a clear attraction for termites. This is especially true when there’s direct contact between the wood and soil.
By trimming overgrown bushes and trees, you’re eliminating potential pathways that could be used by termites to get to your home.
This is a preventive measure that can be combined with other strategies to ensure termite presence in the soil doesn’t spread out.
Now you know about termites in garden soil. The best way to have such a problem tackled and resolved is by calling for professional help.
Reputable pest control services do the most in eliminating all termite issues.