How to Get Rid of Termites in Your Backyard

You are among the few lucky homeowners if you haven’t struggled with termite infestation before. Termites are common backyard pests that can damage your property. Unfortunately, getting rid of these stubborn insects is difficult and overly expensive. The other common challenge is identifying them in their initial outbreak. If you haven’t faced a termite problem before, you should learn how to do a termite inspection.

Source

Essentially, termites are social pests and live in colonies. They scavenge for wooden materials, including patio decks, wooden fence materials, and other backyard structures. If you’ve started noticing termite infestation in your backyard, the following tips can help:

1. Keep moisture in your backyard under control

Moist and humid places are hot spots that favor termites. These insects collect anywhere there’s moisture. Ensuring your backyard isn’t damp is an easier way to eliminate termites. You should start by removing damp wood and wooden structures from your yard. Branches, logs, and kid’s toys are other favorite termite attractions. If you must build wooden structures in your backyard, use termite-resistant wood.

2. Use a termiticide barrier

If maintaining a dry backyard is impossible, probably because of your region’s climate, installing a termiticide barrier is a good solution. Granule and liquid termiticide barriers contain chemicals that paralyze and kill termites. However, you should consider several things before using a termiticide barrier.

For instance, if you choose granular termiticide, ensure that you spread it across your backyard structures like decaying trees, wood piles, and other wooden structures. If you prefer liquid termiticide, spray and allow it to soak into the ground. 

3. Use boric acids

You can also get rid of termites using boric acid. Like most insecticides, boric acid complicates the termite’s digestive and metabolic system, affecting its ability to absorb nutrients. Boric acid also dehydrates and stops the termite’s nervous system, causing them to die.

4. Use nematodes

If you are among the many homeowners who prefer eco-friendly practices, nematodes are a more sustainable option than chemical treatments. Roundworms are specifically beneficial in termite control. They are natural pests to termites and other insects. However, once it enters the termite’s body, it releases poison that kills termites. You should consider this option because it doesn’t harm plants, pets, and animals in your backyard. This method is also long-lasting, as roundworms or your preferred nematodes breed and multiply.

What You Shouldn’t Do

While the above methods are effective, you should ignore these common misconceptions:

• Relocating termites – Some people believe that relocating termites can solve their termite problem. However, the few termites you see in your backyard are a fraction of the colony. Relocating will encourage them to spread to other areas of your backyard.
• Pine sleepers – Raising your garden beds won’t keep termites away from your backyard. In contrast, the moist pine wood makes a perfect habitat for termites. If you must raise your garden, use pressure-treated wood.
•  Using insect spray – While insect spray works for other pests, it may not control your termite problem. Insect spray may kill a few termites, but won’t take out the entire colony.

Endnote

Termites are stubborn pests and difficult to eliminate. Consider calling a professional termite exterminator if your backyard is heavily infested. You should also adopt various preventive practices.