Termites can be a real nuisance when they end up in your home. It’s often easy to panic once you find termites in your garden. Typically, termites occur naturally in soils. If you notice termites in your garden, it simply means they found a reliable food source, such as plant roots and wood. Once they get inside your home, termites can cause massive structural damage to your house.
Therefore, you should take quick action as soon as you notice signs of a termite infestation. However, you may be wondering what termites look like. This is mainly because termites are known to stay well hidden before spreading out. It is especially difficult to see termites outdoors while still in the larval stage.
However, fully grown termites will be quite active since they are attracted to the light sources in your garden setting. Finding termite-resistant wood is crucial if you plan to elect a wooden structure. If you’ve decided to rid your garden of termites, here are the most effective techniques to eliminate termites that infiltrate your garden space:
1. Use Nematodes
Nematodes are naturally occurring roundworms that can kill termites. Thanks to their gut bacterium, they serve as an effective natural insecticide. Once this microscopic organism enters the termite’s body, its demise is underway. Nematodes release bacteria that poison the termite’s bloodstream and slowly lead to death. Nematodes live in various environments, making them easy to find and deploy. Since they are a 100% natural solution, you can rest assured that no harm will come to plants, pets, or humans. Additionally, introducing nematodes in your garden will deter termites from spreading in the long term. Nematodes will continue breeding, thereby keeping termites at bay.
2. Boric Acid
Boric acid is a powder mixture that generally gets rid of insects. The acid achieves this by compromising the termite’s metabolic and digestive systems. Continued exposure to boric acid will eventually kill the termites. This often takes approximately three to six days. If you dislike the use of insecticides, rest assured that Boric acid is considered to be less toxic than other alternatives.
The termite poisoning process begins with a concoction of water, sugar, and boric acid powder to attract termites. Once they move this concoction back to their colony, they’ll eventually die entirely. Always wear your goggles and a dust mask when cooking the boric acid concoction. Consider spraying boric acid on areas you suspect to have a termite infestation. Implement and monitor the process for three to five days.
3. Keep Moisture Under Control
Damp spaces attract and act as hot spots for termites, so you should keep the minimum possible damp wood in your garden. Some common termite hotspots include branches, logs, and even your children’s toys in the yard. If you need additional protection from termites, consider installing a liquid barrier to deter termites from infiltrating your garden or home. This termite barrier should be sprayed with insecticides to kill termites upon contact.
Endnote
Termites often prove difficult to control, mainly because they live in large underground termite colonies where they stay hidden for most of their lifespan. If you want to eliminate the need to hire a termite exterminator, you should try keeping termites at bay. However, termites can cause expensive damage quickly. If you notice termites lurking indoors or in your yard, call an exterminator for a thorough inspection.