Does Topsoil Attract Termites?

Termites are a pest that can be a major concern to homeowners. These critters can wreak havoc on homes, destroying them and causing massive structural damage. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them from invading your home.

One of the most effective methods is to use mulch. Mulch provides a moisture barrier to help keep your soil moist. It also helps moderate the temperature of your soil. This can be a great benefit to your plants. However, mulch can be an attractive source of food for termites.

Termites need moisture in order to survive. They have a preferred diet of cellulose, the primary cell wall material in plants. Often, termites will tunnel through the topsoil of your garden to access the wood they need. The moisture in the mulch can create the perfect environment for termites to colonize.

Depending on the type of mulch you choose, it may or may not attract termites. If you are planning to use a mulch, be sure to place it at least a foot away from your foundation. If you are worried about the potential for termite infestation, call a pest control expert.

Leaving a swath of soil, about a foot wide, along the foundation of your house will also prevent termites from invading your home. This should be done with a gravel layer to serve as camouflage.

Another way to avoid an infestation is to remove wood from around your home. Large chunks of wood can sustain reproductive forms of termites. In addition, they can spread invasive species.

Continue reading:

Using Injection Foams and Bait Stations For Termite Control Can Termites Trigger Asthma? Termites – Destructive Insects That Can Ruin a Garden Can Termites Reproduce Without a Queen? What Can Termites Not Eat Through? How Termites Can Live in Clothes Can You Just Spray For Termites? How Termites Eat Wood, But You Can Prevent Them From Infesting Your Home With Pressure-Treated Lumber