Keeping Termites Away from Your Child's Wooden Playhouse
If you are in the process of building your child a small wooden house to use for pretend play in your yard, you will want to take the necessary steps in keeping termites away from the structure. Since termites tend to accumulate in areas where wood is present, taking precautions in eliminating termites from your yard and deterring them from going at the playhouse will be important. Here are some tips you can use to keep your child's playhouse free of these pests.
Select the Right Wood for the Job
When you select the lumber to use for the job, it is best to find pre-treated pieces to minimize the chance of a termite invasion. These pieces will have been sprayed with a pesticide solution at the time they were cut, making them less likely to be used as a spot for insects to gnaw upon. When you head to a lumber supply store, make sure to let a salesperson know what you intend on using the wood for so they can direct you to some wood choices that will be less attractive to termites and other insects.
Treat Your Soil to Keep Termites Away
To reduce the chance of termites getting into the wood of the playhouse, it is a good idea to treat your soil before you start to build. Using an organic method is best, since your child will be utilizing the area. Beneficial nematodes can be sprinkled onto the soil around the area where you intend to place the playhouse. These small worms will burrow into the ground and eat any termites found. These worms are not harmful to people, pets, or your landscape, so using them is a great way to alleviate a problem before it begins.
Be on the Lookout for Signs of a Problem
It is best to keep on the lookout for a problem so you can handle it promptly should signs of termites become present. Look over the structure every few days to see whether there are small holes in the wood. Piles of sawdust would also indicate that termites have taken up residence in the wood. Knock on the panels to make sure they sound solid. If the wood sounds hollow, there is a good chance termites have gotten inside to nest. It will then be necessary to remove these panels and replace them with new ones. Call a termite-control service to check over the land to take appropriate measures if nematodes are not doing an effective job.