Termites and clay

[newspud9]

I pulled back the cover on part of the plot and there's a large termite nest. What's the best way to get rid of it and make good the soil.

Also, yesterday I was digging over another part of the plot and the earth was becoming increasingly clay.  What's the best way to treat the soil to improve it for growing standard veg items. 

Thanks to all for advice

[newspud9]

[labrat]

Not really sure about termites. Have a look at http://www.killthetermites.com/ which has a guide for identifying termites.

The solution to pretty much all soil problems including clay is lots and lots of organic matter - compost, manure and dare I say it peat (I still use peat now and again to solve problem corners as a one off treatment).

[Rhubarb Thrasher]

surely can't be termites

but if it were, you need to call DEFRA sharpish.

you don't live in Devon, BTW?

[labrat]

you don't live in Devon, BTW?

A kind of good news, bad news thing from 2000

Termites In North Devon

The possibility of dumping soil at sea from a building plot near Britain's only known termite colony has been quashed by the Ministry of Agriculture. Architects involved in building a house and swimming pool at Saunton, within the 500 metre termite control zone, have been told that only material from below the high water line can be disposed of in that way.

Does appear highly unlikely that anyone would find termites in the UK.

[newspud9]

Thanks for the responses so far ..... I'm certainly no bug expert so maybe not termites.  The nest is very flat and thin.... well it is under black sheeting.  Its made up of very fine powdered earth.  Stick a fork in it and there are hundreds of small red crawlies... I thought termites, but I guess could be ants.   Is it best to leave it uncovered and let it face the elements.

Thanks for advice

[landimad]

Newspud,
Try this site for assistance on getting rid of these.

http://www.antinfestation.co.uk/deterring-ants.aspx

They have been great for the info ;D

[newspud9]

Thanks Landimad - from what I've read, a combination of boiling water, cinnamon, peppermint oil and icing sugar is meant to do the job.... though sounds more like something from Masterchef.

[landimad]

Tahts fine newspud,

But I was thinking more like Ant n Deck ;D