Granular outdoor pest treatments should be applied around which area?

• A. around pavement areas
• B. around the bases of trees
• C. around ornamentals only
• D. perimeter of the structure around where soil and sod occur

Answer: (D)

Granular outdoor treatments are most effective when placed as a soil-contact barrier around the structure. By treating the perimeter where soil and turf exist, you create a continuous zone the pests must cross to reach the building, which intercepts them at the point of entry and allows the product to persist in the soil where many pests travel and forage.

This approach target areas pests are most likely to use, such as along foundations and the immediate landscape edge, rather than hard surfaces like pavement where the granules don’t soak in well. Treating only around trees or only around ornamental plants misses the key barrier around the building itself, which is where many pests gain access or establish nests.

So, the best practice is to apply the granular treatment along the exterior perimeter of the structure in areas where soil and sod occur, creating an effective defensive ring against invading pests.