Termites in the Garden: Identification and Control

Why Termites Appear in Mulch and Soil

Termites feed on cellulose—wood mulch, buried lumber, dead roots, and landscape timbers. They resemble ants but have a broad, straight waist (vs. ant’s pinched waist) and straight antennae.

Common Sources

• Wood-based mulch (especially fresh chips)
• Stumps, roots, or buried construction debris
• Wooden edging, raised beds, or fence posts

Control Options

• Liquid termiticides (e.g., Termidor, Taurus) applied to soil create a treated zone.
• Bait stations (Advance, Sentricon) placed in-ground intercept foraging workers and eliminate colonies.
• Professional inspection – If unsure, hire a licensed termite company to confirm activity and recommend treatment.

Prevention

• Use non-wood mulch (rubber, stone, pine straw) near foundations.
• Keep soil-to-wood contact minimal.
• Divert water away from structures.

Garden termites rarely threaten homes if the foundation is properly treated, but they signal conducive conditions worth addressing.