Take termites to task | The Honolulu Advertiser

Comment, blog & share photos

Take termites to task | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Posted on: Monday, December 31, 2001

The Left Lane
Take termites to task

Keeping your plants at least 18 inches from your home will help keep termites away.

Advertiser library photo

Many island residents resolve to banish termites from their homes each year. Still, many homeowners don't realize that they provide super highways that invite termites into their homes with improperly planned and planted trees, shrubs and mulches.

Termites are attracted to plants, shrubs and trees, so don't plant anything within 18 inches of your home. You might try a layer of gravel or flagstones instead of mulch.

Termites also need moisture, so be sure nearby ground slopes away for better runoff.

Finally, large trees shouldn't be closer than 20 feet because their extensive root systems form a perfect underground system leading directly into your home.

— Associated Press

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos