Termites have appeared in the garden. It must be disturbing because you do not want to damage your plants due to termites or harm termites in any way.
Don’t worry! We are with you, and in this article, we will teach you how to remove termites from your garden in ways that will be safe for termites.
The goal is to explain safe methods to prevent termites and protect your plants. Let’s move on to organic gardening and find ways to remove termites naturally, which will also keep your plants safe. Discover how mulch can attract termites?
What Are Termites and How They Can Damage Plants?
Termites are tiny creatures that mainly consume wood and materials rich in cellulose. They form colonies underground and thrive in moist areas. If they get into your garden, they can have the following effects on your plants and soil:
How do termites damage plants?
Termites can eat the roots of plants, affecting the water and nutrient supply. Damage roots weaken the plants and can harm them. If woody plants are in your garden, such as mango or neem trees, termites can eat their trunks and branches, damaging the trees. Termites can also destroy mulch, compost, or other organic materials.
Discover how environmental factors affect plant growth traits
Also, explore 10 hidden reasons why your plants aren’t thriving
Why is termite control necessary in the garden?
Termite control is critical because termites can damage plant roots, stunt growth, and destroy wood, organic material, and mulch. This damage can weaken and kill plants and negatively affect the overall garden. Timely termite control is vital for a healthy garden.
What is there in our garden that attracts termites
This question was interesting to me for the first time because I also wanted to know if there is a reason why termites are attracted to my garden.
The truth is that these insects are looking for a place that will provide them with shelter and a source of food.
Moisture & Wood: Mainly Conditions for Termites
But before we move on, I want to make you aware of two conditions of termites, which you may not even be aware of; if these situations are present, termites can come to your garden.
Termites can survive in a garden or any area only if they have two situations: moisture and food (wood or other organic material). These two things create an ideal environment for termites. If one of these things is missing, they will not survive there over time.
What happens if there is only moisture?
If only moisture is in the garden, termites may come for a short time because they cannot live in dry places and need hydration; if there is no food, wood, or organic material, they will not survive for long. Moisture is not only necessary to live, but they also require food to run their colony.
Just wood and no moisture
Termites cannot survive in a garden with only wood and no moisture because they need damp conditions. Based on their physical appearance, they need moisture to keep their bodies hydrated and functioning. Dry wood is not beneficial for them.
What happens when there is both moisture and wood?
When moisture and wood are in the garden, both create a perfect environment for termites. They need moisture to survive, and wood or mulch is a source of their diet. Termites build colonies in areas where both conditions exist. However, there are additional reasons beyond these two.
High humidity or moisture in the garden
If your garden is too wet or saturated, it can attract mold. Too much water and poor drainage are the prominent causes.
Using organic or wood-based mulch
Do you have wood mulch in your garden? as it can lead to termites. Wood is their favorite food, and mulch can attract them even more.
Dry or Fallen Leaves and Dead Plants Material
Termites can come if dead leaves and old plants remain, so keeping the garden clean is crucial to prevent termites.
Wooden furniture or any structure of this type
If you have a wooden bench or fence in your garden that is in contact with the soil, it becomes the perfect place for termites. Termites love wet wood the most.
Having a mango or neem tree in the garden
The roots of mango, neem, and other trees naturally attract termites. If you have these trees in your garden, it is essential to take care of them.
Keeping Compost Pile
A compost pile can be another source for termites because it provides them with dead plants and organic material, which is their primary food.
Not cleaning garden tools properly.
Sometimes, forgetting to clean garden tools can also become a reason for bringing termites into the garden, especially when they come into contact with infected soil or mulch.
Installing Lights that Attract Termites
Outdoor lights also attract termites, especially those that emit UV light. Be sure about this when installing lights.
Identifying Termites in the Garden
Sometimes, termites and ants look alike; some people do not understand them. These two insects may have some similarities in appearance, such as their small size and way of moving, which is why some people recognize termites as ants or mistake ants for termites. However, there is a difference between these two insects; termites are wood or root eaters, while ants are generally foragers, so it is necessary to distinguish the two so that you can take the correct steps to protect your garden and especially know the signs of termite entry.
Warning Signs that indicate termites are present in your garden
If you are wondering whether you have termites in your garden, here are some common signs you should look for;
Damage Wood
If you notice any hollow or crumbling joints in your wood plants, fences, or garden structures, termites may be the cause. They eat the wood, causing damage.
💡Gently tap the wood. Hearing a hollow sound might be a sign that termites are present.
Mud Tunnels
Termites often build mid-tubes used to get from their nest to their food. Look for mud-like tunnels near the structures. If you find it, termites can be the main reason
💡These tunnels are often found at the base of tree posts or fences.
Swarming
During the warmer months, you may see winged termites. These are reproductive termites that come out to start a new colony.
💡If you see them near a window or door, their nest is probably near that area.
●Hollow Sound
Tap on the wood in the garden and see if a hollow sound is heard. This means that termites may be eating the wood from the inside.
💡This indicates that the wood is being consumed from the inside.
How do I know if these are termites or ants?
This can be a big problem because termites and ants often look alike and move similarly. Knowing the difference between ants and termites allows you to take the right action against termites.
Size and Shape
Termites have a straight body with no noticeable waist. Their body has a uniform, rectangular shape. In contrast, ants have a distinct, narrow waist. The ant’s body appears more segmented, with a noticeable separation between the thorax and abdomen.
Wings
When termites and ants swarm, they both grow wings. But there’s a difference: Termites’ wings are the same size. If you look at a swarm, you’ll see that wings are the same length and width. Ants’ wings are different, with their front wings being large and their back wings smaller. This difference in wing size is a clear sign that you’re not looking at termites but ants.
Behavior & Nesting
Termites and ants also have quite different behaviors. Termites typically feed on wood, and you will often see them inside the wood structure, leaving tiny holes or sawdust-like waste. Their nests are usually hidden, which can be in the wood, soil, or under the ground.
Ant nests are usually above ground, and you will find them much darker. You may see them in your kitchen, garden, or sidewalk. Ants often leave small visible trails, which termites do not. They are more likely to be seen in groups of ants marching their way.
Color
Termites and ants can vary in color, but termites are usually light brown or yellow, while ants are more black, red, or dark. Termites are more translucent or yellow, which makes them appear softer and more delicate-textured, while ants appear harder and darker.
Sound
It may be hard to hear, but termites make a soft clicking sound when they chew on wood or build their tunnels. Ants don’t make a sound unless you disturb their large colony, but their sound is often rustling sound.
If you still want to know the difference between termites and ants, explore them here in detail!
Understanding Termite’s Cycle
Understanding the development and spread of termites is essential so you can stop them before they become a bigger problem:
Colony Formation
Termites start out as small colonies, and they have different roles. Workers forage for food, soldiers protect the colony, and reproductive termites provide food. Tip: Once termites have established their colonies, they grow rapidly, so early identification is essential.
Reproductive Cycle
In the spring, termite colonies send out winged termites, which leave to start new colonies. You may see this in your garden at this time. Tip: If you see swarms, it is vital to take action quickly if termites are in your area.
Developmental Stages
Termites go through different stages in their life cycle. They first create larvae, nymphs, and finally, full-grown workers or reproductive adults. Tip: The older the colonies, the bigger the problem. Early identification is essential!
10 Natural and DIY Remedies to Remove Termites From the Garden
Let’s get to the main topic! If you want to safely remove termites from your garden, these home remedies are best;
1-Nematodes (Tiny worms)
Nematodes are tiny, naturally occurring soil-dwelling insects that target termites but do not kill them. They disturb the termites and drive them out of their habitat. This method is safe because it does not harm your plants or animals.
You can add nematodes to infested areas of your garden, and they will naturally repel termites from their place.
2-Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder that is not harmful to termites; instead, it bothers them and forces them to leave their colony; it is also safe for your garden and plants.
Sprinkle the powder on and around termite nests, but don’t forget to cover your plants.
3-Orange Oil Spray
Orange oil is a natural repellent for termites. It disrupts their behavior, forcing them to leave their colony and flee. Instead of killing them, it surfs their doors.
Mix orange oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it on the affected areas.
4-Vinegar and Lemon Juice
A mixture of vinegar and lemon juice is also a safe solution. It helps to repel termites from your garden after disturbing them and restricts their movement rather than killing them.
Mix 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup lemon juice. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray it on the termite nest.
5-Cardboard Trap
Termites naturally attract cardboard. You can make a trap by wetting the cardboard. When the termites land on the cardboard, you can use it to make a trap, which will cause the termites to leave their colony and go through the door.
Keeping the cardboard wet will attract the termites, and you can safely remove the door from it.
6-Garlic and Pepper Spray
Garlic and black pepper are natural repellents for termites. The intense smell of garlic and black pepper irritates them, causing them to leave the area.
Crush 10 garlic cloves and mix with 2 tablespoons of black pepper in 1 liter of water. Spray the solution evenly over the affected spots.
7-Cinnamon Powder
Cinnamon is a natural insect repellent, and termites hate its rich smell. It keeps your garden safe and keeps termites out of the house.
Sprinkle cinnamon powder at entry points in termite-infested areas.
8-Clove Oil
Clove oil is a natural repellent that disrupts termite behavior and forces them to burrow into their own area. It is safe for plants and pets.
Mix 1 teaspoon of clove oil in 1 liter of water and spray this mixture evenly over areas with active termites.
9-Salt and Water Solution
Salt is also a natural remedy for repelling termites. When salt is mixed with water, it creates an uncomfortable environment for termites.
Mix 1 cup of salt into 1 liter of water and pour this solution into the nests of termites in the area.
10-Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil has natural insect-repellent properties that disrupt their feeding and reproduction, keeping termites away from your garden.
Mix 2 tablespoons of neem oil in 1 liter of water and spray this mixture on areas where termites are active.
Physical Methods to Control Termites
✔️Manually Removing Termite Nests
If you have termite nests in your garden, you can control them by removing them manually. This is a simple and effective method in which you find the termite nest and physically remove it.
💡When you remove the nest, make sure that you remove the entire colony; otherwise, the termites may return.
✔️Keep the soil dry
Termites like moist soil, but if you keep your soil dry, it will help them to leave your territory. Try to maintain areas susceptible to termite activity in your garden dry. This is an effective way to keep termites away from your colony. keep
💡Control watering and ensure the soil is not too wet, especially in areas where termites are most active.
✔️Replacing the Mulch
Mulch can be a good shelter for termites. If mulch is not replaced timely, termites can make their homes. Changing mulch opportunely is an easy way to keep termites out.
💡Apply new mulch each season and dispose of old mulch safely to reduce the risk of termites.
Precautions to keep termites away
✅Proper garden cleaning
Keeping your garden safe and clean acts as a natural barrier to termites. Regular cleaning can help you identify areas where termites may be present. Fallen leaves, dead branches, and broken wood should be removed immediately, as these can be hiding places for termites. Clean your garden every 1-2 weeks and remove all areas where termites may present.
✅Avoid using wood chips and bark mulch.
Wood chips and bark mulch attract termites because they provide food and shelter for them. It is crucial to be extra careful when using these materials, especially if your garden has a termite problem. If possible, use gravel or rocks instead of these materials, which do not attract termites.
✅Change organic mulch
Organic mulch, such as straw or grass clippings, is ideal for termites. It provides them with food and shelter. If you use organic mulch, it is essential to replace it regularly to maintain its effectiveness. Turn over organic mulch regularly or use a termite-resistant mulch material, such as gravel, rocks, or rubber mulch.
When should you seek professional help to Avoid Termites From the Garden?
Signs when your efforts have failed
If you have used natural remedies and preventive steps but termites are still visible in your garden. It is a clear sign to call for professional help. If you can’t control the termites effectively, it indicates the problem has become more severe.
Signs include:
- Repeated termites or returning despite regular treatment.
- Visible termite damage, such as holes or tunnels in the wood structure.
- Seeing swarms or flying termites around your garden or home.
If you have tried everything and are still not getting results, you may need to hire professional help.
Need for pest control services.
When the termite infestation is severe enough that you cannot resolve it yourself, hiring pest control services may be the best option. Professional pest control services have advanced equipment and techniques that are more effective in controlling termites.
When to call pest control
- If the termite infestation is quite advanced and has even entered the interior of the house
- When you need help completely destroying a termite colony
- If you suspect the infestation is too complex, your efforts may cause more damage.
Tip: Professional services are more helpful when termites are most active. It is good practice to call pest control services for regular inspections.
Long-term solutions to termite control
Using beneficial nematodes in the garden
Beneficial nematodes are a natural, long-term solution. They help to control termites. These microscopic insects burrow into the inside of termites and kill them without harming your plants or animals. You can add them to the soil in your garden where termites are most active. Apply nematodes to infested areas to target termite colonies. This method is safe and effective and can give long-term results.
Plant termite-resistant plants
Termites do not like the taste of certain plants. You can keep termites away from your garden by growing such plants. These plants naturally repel termites, so their growth protects your garden from termite infestations.
Examples of termite-resistant plants:
- Lavender
- Marigolds
- Lemongrass
- Eucalyptus
Use these plants to create a naturally hostile environment for termites in your garden. This method can provide long-term protection.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Termite infestations occur gradually, so regular inspection and maintenance are essential. If you check your garden regularly, you should identify if termites have invaded. You should inspect the soil, wood structures, and mulching areas to notice early signs of infestation.
Inspect your garden quarterly or biannually. If termite infestations occur, take quick action and apply appropriate solutions. With regular maintenance, you can keep termites out of your garden.
Final Thoughts: How to Avoid Termites With a Sustainable Approach
In conclusion, dealing with termites in your garden doesn’t have to be a stressful situation. By understanding their behavior and the conditions that attract them, you can take simple and effective steps to protect your plants without harming the environment. Remember, natural solutions like nematodes, diatomaceous earth, or even garlic sprays can keep these little pests in check while ensuring your garden stays healthy. Keep your garden clean, avoid excess moisture, and regularly check for signs of termites. With these tips in mind, you can safely remove termites and enjoy a thriving, pest-free garden!
