Help - Found termites in a bed =(

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Author Message   Rhilo  Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 06:51 am EST :    So I saw a million of these little buggers nicely nesting around my plants in one bed, and hit the roof. I know they are pretty destructive with wood and all, but will they harm my plants? If yes, how can I get rid of them super fast? Thanks in advance. Rhilo - western provice, colombo, Zone "?"   Loretta  Supporting Member Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 08:20 am EST :    The only time I've noticed ants and termites seemingly affecting the health of a plant is when they overwhelm the root system with their tunnels. The roots loose soil contact. Pill bugs have done this too. I find termites on my property too. I've even found them in parts of the house. I've had it treated twice. Pesticides strong enough to kill termites have to be applied by a professional. Not an "over-the-counter prescription" here. You can get stakes that are poisoned but I read their effectiveness is limited. I have old trees on my property and probably will never be completely rid of the termites. Also before we moved in , neighbors told me a large tree was removed so those old roots are probably helping to feed them too. I try not to use wood chips, hay, cardboard, or newspaper in the garden anymore as all these products seem to be in their diet. I've even found termites in open bags of miracle grow. I guess they like the bark chips in there. Since we had our house drenched about two years ago, I haven't found any termites in the bags or eating cardboard but I still find them occasionally. Loretta - NJ, Zone "6"   Luis_pr  My Time Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 03:46 am EST :    First question... why are they in that bed? Is there something underneath that they are feeding off? As Loretta suggested, old wood or dead trees in the bed could be attracting them. Try using sand as a termite barrier but not just any sand--use a 16-grit sand (also sold as 00 sandblasting sand) to create the barrier. It is the size and uniformity that’s important. The material can be sharp sand or washed silicon sand, basalt or lava. Termites can't get through it. The sand prevents the insects from building the earthen tubes. A trench or wedge of sand above the ground measuring 6 inches by 6 inches (or smaller) and filled with sand can be effective. The trench should run around the entire perimeter of the structure. Another idea: treat exposed wood with boric acid products. These materials soak into the wood and give long-lasting protection. If termite tubes are visible, break them and introduce beneficial nematodes or ants. Both are natural enemies and should be quite effective. Luis_pr - Hurst, Texas, Zone "USDA 7b/8a"   Loretta  Supporting Member Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 08:50 am EST :    Rhilo, I can really only talk about my local experience w/ termites. The habits of termites in Sri Lanka - I can't say. But there are different kinds of termites, even locally here, that behave differently. For example, we had termites but no mud tubes - they don't all make them. Somehow, you need to find a local expert. Here, the state universities have extension agents with some information. Here is one document published by the university in Ohio: Termite Control Loretta - NJ, Zone "6"   Rhilo  Posted on Friday, November 09, 2007 - 12:14 am EST :    Oops I haven't visited this tread in awhile! My local nursery recommended a pesticide for the soil. I have been using it on and off, each time they surface on the ground, so I don't think it is effective in getting rid of them for good. So far I've found them on two regular beds and the rose bed. Luis_pr, we cut down two coconut trees awhile back close to the beds, and they have massive long roots. Maybe the termites are feasting on these dead roots? Loretta, thanks for the advice! I hope they don't attack the plants themselves, but the local nursery that sold the pesticide said they do so I panick everytime I see them =/ Btw, I have another problem with my plants, this time it's regarding mealybugs...So I am off to start a thread about that now. Need I say, gardening is also an endless fight against the creepy crawlies, and we are usually at the losing end. Rhilo - western provice, colombo, Zone "?"

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