[Image: Small garden hiding foundation wall]Gardens can be a source of great beauty and pleasure. But they can also be the ticket the subterranean termites need to get into your home.
Problems:
- tilling and planting the garden can disturb the treatment barrier, allowing safe pathways for termites. If you do disturb the soil, have the area retreated with registered termiticide.
- Mulch laid over the treatment barrier can create bridges for the termites.
- Soil placed above grade can inhibit proper inspection.
- Some borders can prohibit inspection and sometimes even attract termites to the home.
The above photo shows how the homeowner has piled the soil and mulch above the level of the slab. This will allow the termites direct access to the house and prevent the shelter tubes from being visible. Besides termites, above grade soil can lead to moisture damage within the walls.