As a homeowner, it’s natural to want to do some landscaping to make your exterior more functional and aesthetically appealing. But with an abundance of termite infestations in Australia, it’s essential to ensure that you are not inadvertently creating an environment for them to run rampant. But rest assured that keeping termites at bay doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your landscaping dreams. All you need is smart planning and regular care. Here’s how.
Opt for Physical Barriers
Physical barriers are an effective way to prevent termite infestation. They work by physically blocking access points to limit a termite’s ability to gain access to your home and garden. Such materials include plastic sheets and steel mesh that cannot succumb to a termite’s efforts. Note, these barriers do not work to kill termites or their colonies; they simply block or deter them from passing through.
Apply Chemical Barriers
If you are looking for an immediate, fast-acting solution, then a chemical barrier is a great tool. It keeps subterranean termites from tunneling through your soil and entering structures, and other termites from being able to approach any drywood or dampwood. If the application of these chemicals is thorough, these barriers will provide good protection from termites for up to 10 years.
Choose Termite-Repelling Plants
There are some types of plants that naturally repel termites due to their strong smell and chemical makeup. Such plants include eucalyptus, lavender, bottlebrush, lantana and marigolds. Utilising some or all of these in your landscaping plans will help to keep your home safe from infestations. And no matter the plants that you choose, it’s essential that they aren’t planted too close to your property. When plants are too near, they provide direct access for termites to your home.
Prioritise Moisture Control
It’s no secret that termites are drawn to moist, damp environments. As such, a waterlogged garden can often become a breeding ground for termites. You should look to implement moisture control techniques in your landscaping plans, including the installation of a drainage system, sloping soil around your house, and ensuring that sprinklers don’t soak the ground too near your property foundations.
Choose the Right Materials
Whatever your landscaping vision, it’s important to consider the materials that you are bringing into your garden. Untreated wood and mulch are very attractive to termites, offering an environment in which they’ll thrive. Smart material choices include treated wood, termite-resistant wood, concrete, metal, stone and composite decking.
Protect Your Home With Specialist Advice
No matter how good your prevention techniques are, a minimum of an annual inspection will help to keep termites at bay. If you are looking for the best way to protect your home and garden from termite infestation, then call the team at Control Pest Management. We offer both termite prevention and treatment options that will safeguard your property. Get started today by calling us on 1300 357 246 or completing our online enquiry form.
