Invite the sunshine and spring blooms, but not the termites!
South Carolina boasts incredible spring and summer seasons that draws us out and begs to us to run barefoot through the grass. It’s these simple times — the sun on our face and slowing down to revel in backyard barbeques — that makes this season so memorable.
But, there is one thing that can ruin the nostalgia of summer — termites!
At SWAT Mosquito & Pest Control, we ensure you and your family can happily enjoy the dog days of summer. We incorporate state-of-the-art termite treatments to keep them from your yard, preventing major destruction to your home.
Termite prevention is our goal, so take some time and prepare your spring and summer landscaping with helpful tips to hinder termites in today’s post.
The Critters That Work Around the Clock
It’s true when we lament that termites work around the clock — when they’re on a mission, they are always eating and creating a wake of destruction 24-hours a day, seven days a week. This makes it critical for homeowners to take preventative measures in the thick of spring and summer when conditions are ideal for termites to start their work, and to be mindful of their landscaping.
Discourage Termites Through Your Landscaping!
Pest control begins with the homeowner — if you’re new to South Carolina area or are a new homeowner, sometimes you’re unaware that some landscaping can actually draw in and foster a termite infestation! Below are some practical tips to keep your yard termite free this season!
Be mindful of where you establish garden beds.
Whether you’re planting a garden bed full of vegetables or have wildflower landscaping with lush and vibrant blooms, it’s important to be mindful of where it’s all going.
Many times it looks amazing to plant poppies against our home — it creates a floral focal point, but planting near your home is a sure fire way to attract termites. This is considered foundation planting; it’s advantageous because it hides the foundation of our homes.
Best practices are to keep anything landscaping, mulch, or wood at least six inches away from your foundation.
Keep your tree limbs clean and trimmed.
Tree limbs, whether hanging over your home or strung across your yard, are the red carpet and a VIP entrance for termites straight to your home, so it’s vital to keep all low-hanging branches trimmed and keep your yard clean of any branch debris.
If you’re planning on adding additional trees or shrubs, the best practice is to plant at least three feet from your foundation to allow for enough room to grow and flourish.
Mulch Thoughtfully
Mulch looks lovely and can really elevate your landscaping, but what most homeowners don’t realize is that it’s typically sourced from wood! Mulch is one piece of summer landscaping that homeowners need to be mindful of.
Not only can termites find refuge under mulch, but it also creates the perfect source of food to give them the sustenance to creep closer and closer to your home! Great alternatives include:
- Rubber mulch
- Gravel
- Pine straw
- Cypress mulch
- Chemically-treated mulch
Not only will you have a beautiful yard when you implement these landscaping tips, your yard will be free of termites!