As the winter chill begins to soften across Des Moines County, homeowners in Burlington are looking forward to the first sights of green in their gardens. However, the upcoming spring thaw brings more than just blooming tulips.
It also marks the start of the termite season. In our local climate, the moisture from melting snow creates the perfect home for these pests. They wake up hungry and start searching for wood to eat.
If you want to protect your property and your backyard, you need to act before the ground fully warms up. Many residents find it helpful to look for professional termite control services nearby to ensure their homes and gardens are shielded from costly damage.
Why Burlington Homeowners Should Start Early
Many people in town make the mistake of waiting until they see a swarm. By the time you see winged termites near your porch, a colony may have been there for years. Taking steps during the late winter is much more effective than reacting later.
Termites are constant workers, and they never sleep. They get very active once the Iowa soil reaches a certain warmth. Investing in prevention now means you are building a barrier early.
This stops the pests before they ever find your foundation or your garden fence. It is a simple way to save money and stress as the seasons change.
Handling Water and Mud in Your Yard
The spring thaw in Burlington often leads to standing water. This damp soil is exactly what termites look for. These pests need moisture to survive and grow. One of the best things you can do is check your gutters.
Make sure they direct water far away from your house. You should also look at the slope of your yard. Ensure that melting snow flows away from your walls rather than pooling against them.
If you have a leaky outdoor faucet, fix it as soon as the weather allows. Keeping the area around your house dry makes your property much less attractive to a hungry colony.
Smart Mulching for Local Gardens
We all love a beautiful garden, and mulch is a big part of that. However, thick mulch placed right against your siding is a bad idea. It acts like a bridge for termites to crawl into your home.
Termites love mulch because it stays wet and provides food. To stay safe, keep a gap of at least six inches between your mulch and your foundation. You should also be careful with firewood.
Never stack logs against the side of your house or inside the garage. Instead, keep wood on a raised rack at least twenty feet away. This stops termites from jumping from the woodpile into your home.
Cleaning Up Your Burlington Landscaping
Your garden is a source of pride, but it can also hide termite activity. Dead tree stumps and rotting roots are like a feast for these bugs. If you have old stumps in your yard, try to have them removed before spring truly hits.
You should also trim back any bushes or tree branches that touch your house. These branches provide a hidden path for termites to get past the soil and into your siding.
Keeping your plants neat allows for more sunlight and airflow. This helps dry out the dirt and makes the area less inviting to pests that like dark, damp places.
Watching for Signs of Trouble
Watch for mud tubes on your foundation or hollow-sounding wood around your garden. Finding discarded wings early this spring can prevent expensive repairs later.
Reliable Pest Solutions, now partnered with Pointe Commercial Services, provides local expertise and thorough inspections. Their team offers effective treatments to keep Burlington homes and gardens safe.