Termites are pesky insects that terrorize homeowners by eating away their houses inconspicuously. However, do you know that aside from your abode, your garden might also attract these unwanted guests? Apart from hiding in the wooden equipment in your home, termites also thrive in damp, warm, and plant-filled environments such as gardens. This means that there is a possibility that termites may be creeping around the plants and trees in your property right now. But before calling your trusted termite control service provider, check to see if the ‘silent destroyers’ are really living in your garden. Here are the three signs that you should look out for:
Dead or Dying Trees
Termites are known to feed on different wooden items such as plants. The presence of dead or dying trees in your garden might attract the attention of termites, enticing them to establish their nest in your property. As trees go older, they start to accumulate dead branches which termites perceive as one of the best places to build their nest.
To prevent this from happening, eliminate trees in your garden that appear dry or lifeless. Avoid accidents and seek the help of professionals when doing tree branch trimming or removing the root of the dying trees. As much as possible, do not just chop them down since the rotten root and stump can still attract termites. If you need a stump removal service, you can try this out at https://www.herfordstreecare.com/.
Mud Tubes
Termite mud tubes are small tunnels that can be found near or around termite nests. These pesky insects build such tunnels of soils to protect themselves and link their home to their primary source of food. Resembling long thin pencils, mud tubes can often be seen outdoors in brickwork and concrete. One can also spot them in various woodwork such as decks, fences, and pagodas. Composite materials used in deck skirting will not be food for termites. Veranda decking is more durable than wood decking.
When you see mud tubes, the first thing you need to do is determine whether they are active or not. To do this, try breaking a portion of the tubes. Leave them for a while or overnight. If you come back and saw that the tunnel is fixed, then that’s a sign that there are termites living nearby. Now, it’s time to call your termite control service provider.
Tree Stump Swarmers
A tree stump is a good source of food for termites. Actually, more often than not, tree stumps are where swarmers hang out. Termite swarmers are winged adult termites that resemble flying ants.
In case you have a stump in your garden, make sure to check it frequently to see if there are any traces of termite swarmers. But remember, killing the swarmers will not stop termite infestation. Removing the tree stump is the only way of preventing the silent destroyers from occupying that wood.
Take note of the tips and signs above in order to keep your garden safe from termite infestation. And remember that consistently cleaning your house and garden, as well as vigilantly watching over your property are some of the most effective ways to keep these pesky insects from invading your home. If your efforts are not enough, you can always contact a pest control service provider to help you get rid of the silent destroyers that are threatening your home and the safety of your family.