Tips To Keep Termites Out Of Your Yard
No one wants termites in their home, but they can be just as destructive in your yard. Termites don't feed on living wood, but many lawn items are made of wood and can attract these pests. Decks, wooden lawn furniture, and wooden play sets are just a few things these pests can and will destroy. The following are a few ways you can extend the termite-free zone from your home to the edges of your property.
Consider alternative decking
Wood decking can be a smorgasbord for a termite colony. Even worse, decks are often attached to the home, which means a deck can provide a route into the house for these destructive pests. To counteract this, look into alternative materials, like recycled-plastic decking boards. These look like wood, but they aren't; so you never need to worry about pests or maintenance. Combine these with concrete pier supports instead of wood deck piers to create an area that won't attract termites. If you must use wood for any component, make sure it is treated with insecticides so that it won't bring in termites.
Make use of concrete pads
If you have wooden lawn items, such as a playset or a bench, that you want to keep, then install concrete pads. Termites are less likely to infest a wooden item if it isn't in direct contact with the ground. Placing lawn furniture on concrete patio pads or using paving stones to create small footprint pads for items in the garden or yard, can help prevent termite damage. You can further prevent the damage by keeping the wood sealed so that rot doesn't set in since termites are even more likely to infest wood that has begun to degrade.
Get rid of dead wood
Dead wood in the lawn can attract termites. Then, once the dead wood is gone, they will move on to your outdoor wooden items or worse, your house. Disposing of tree branches and brush piles and pulling out stumps is the best way to avoid attracting the pests. Furthermore, keep firewood stored well away from the house and lawn structures. You can discourage termites by using a woodshed or wood stand that is elevated or by having a concrete pad reserved for wood storage.
If termites still insist on wreaking havoc on your property, a termite control service can help. One option is to have them do a trench pesticide treatment around the perimeter of your yard.