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Summer Landscaping Tips to Keep Termites Away

Termite on mound

Summer Landscaping Tips to Keep Termites Away

Many homeowners overlook one of the easiest ways to protect against termites, which is strategic landscaping. Proper landscaping not only enhances the beauty of your property but also acts as a critical defense against termites. By managing moisture, choosing the right materials, and maintaining your landscape effectively, you can significantly reduce the risk of termite infestations.

This guide breaks down actionable summer landscaping tips to help homeowners, landscapers, and pest control professionals create and maintain a termite-resistant environment.

Reducing Moisture Around Your Home

Termites thrive in damp environments, using moisture as both a source of sustenance and an invitation into your home. By reducing moisture around your property, you can make your landscape less appealing to termites.

Tip 1: Proper Grading and Drainage

Water pooling near your home's foundation creates the perfect breeding ground for termites. Ensuring your yard has proper grading and drainage can prevent this.

  • Grading: Your yard should slope away from your home's foundation to help channel water away. Aim for a slope of at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet around your house.
  • Drainage Solutions:
    • Install French drains to guide water away.
    • Use gravel channels to help redirect water flow.
    • Consider additional options like dry wells if you experience frequent flooding.

Tip 2: Efficient Gutter Maintenance

Blocked or poorly installed gutters can lead to water spilling directly onto your foundation or pooling under landscaping, creating moisture-rich conditions termites love.

  • Regular Maintenance:
    • Clean your gutters every three months or more frequently during storm season.
    • Remove debris like leaves and twigs that prevent proper water flow.
  • Upgrades:
    • Install downspout extensions to keep water away from your home.
    • Consider leaf guards for your gutters to minimize debris buildup.

These steps keep termites at bay by eliminating their most attractive element—moisture.

Selecting Termite-Resistant Landscaping Materials

Your choice of mulch, plants, and other landscaping materials plays a vital role in preventing termites. Some materials actively repel these pests, while others—though commonly used—can invite trouble.

Tip 3: Choosing the Right Mulch

While mulch is a popular landscaping material, some types are more termite-friendly than others. Standard wood mulch creates an ideal food source, especially when applied close to a home's foundation.

  • Best Options:
    • Gravel or crushed stone mulch provides an attractive, termite-resistant alternative.
    • Rubber mulch or lava rocks are also effective but may not be ideal in extremely hot climates.
  • Moderation Matters:
    • If you insist on using wood mulch, ensure it's applied at least 6 inches away from your home's foundation and keep it as dry as possible.

Tip 4: Using Termite-Resistant Plants

Certain plants can naturally deter termites. Incorporating these into your landscape not only beautifies your property but also serves as an eco-friendly pest management strategy.

  • Examples of Termite-Resistant Plants:
    • Marigolds
    • Vetiver grass
    • Lemongrass (contains citronella oil, a natural termite repellant)
  • Plant Smart:
    • Avoid planting shrubs or trees too close to your home, as they can create shade and trap moisture near the foundation.

Maintaining a Termite-Unfriendly Landscape

By staying proactive in the upkeep of your yard and surrounding areas, you can further reduce the chance of termites invading your property.

Tip 5: Regular Pruning and Trimming

Overgrown plants and unkempt trees can block sunlight, creating damp and shaded areas perfect for termite colonies.

  • Prune Regularly:
    • Keep shrubs trimmed at least 12 inches away from your home to allow sunlight and air circulation around the foundation.
    • Remove dead branches, leaves, and decaying wood promptly.
  • Tree Care:
    • Eliminate stumps and dead trees, which serve as a food source for termites.
    • Inspect your trees periodically for signs of termites, such as mud tubes or hollow-sounding wood.

Tip 6: Keeping Wood Away From the Foundation

Termites feed on cellulose found in wood, which makes it essential to limit wood-to-soil contact near your home.

  • Firewood and Scrap Wood Storage:
    • Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate it off the ground.
    • Dispose of scrap wood or unused construction materials to remove potential food sources.
  • Fencing and Decking:
    • Use termite-resistant wood or treated lumber for outdoor structures like fences or decks. Ensure there is a barrier between wood components and the soil for added protection.

Long-Term Termite Prevention in Scottsdale, AZ

These tips are essential for creating a termite-resistant landscape, but even the most well-maintained yard can't guarantee termite prevention. That's where professional expertise comes into play. At Arizona Termite Specialists, termite control is all we do. Our licensed technicians focus exclusively on termite prevention and elimination in Scottsdale, AZ, and surrounding areas, ensuring your home is safe for the long haul.

Protect your investment and your family with specialized termite expertise. Call us at (602) 900-9799 today to schedule your free termite inspection.