greene said:@Wes, thanks for that info. I watched some local termite guys doing the soil application and they had stuck a wand about 2 feet into the soil around the foundation to apply the chemicals. So yes, I did excavate about 2 feet when I renovated the landscaping - oops. 
For myself personally, I am beyond caring about termites. Termites are a fact of life and, in the forest, they are necessary beings with a job to do. But because I was a young, ignorant home buyer, and learned 'the hard way', I would like to help the younger people who are currently shopping to buy homes to avoid making the same mistakes.
I am happy that you are almost chemical free. Good for you. 
@Greene, You did a good thing (posting your experience, LOL). Believe me, I learn a lot the hard way. I'm with you on the termites, bugs in general for that matter. I have a neighbor that worries about grub worms. I consider them a sign of a thriving lawn and landscape? But in saying that I have to admit witnessing infestations that have done to lawns what termites do to wooden structures. If I dig in a lawn and flowerbed and don't find grubs something bigger is wrong.
Even though I pay for some "maintenance" I have plenty of good bugs. Whatever gets applied has not affected my large population of wolf spiders and praying mantis is a garden regular. I don't want my house eaten, beyond that I don't care about bugs.
Rural life almost dictates some chemical use. I don't grow flowers or edibles in my gravel driveway, and in providing landscape/maintenance services it's a necessary evil. It's not my favorite thing, it's a compromise. I'm not a huge fan of fertilizers but I'd be a liar to say "I don't". Most things I plant/grow/recommend really don't need much attention in that area but when they do? I do it. It's not that common a true need. One of the oldest gardening tricks I learned by watching and personal trial and error is amending the planting bed with fresh, happy dirt. Cost is negligible, labor as well. A little here, a little there and it's all done soon enough.
For the love of Peat...
You never want to unload those trucks from Canada by hand, those 4' bales are some kind of gold though.
But back on topic, I'm a believer in mulch beyond the aesthetic. Some are better choices than others. Regional variances apply but that's all the same in the long run. Back to the termites? OK, I do see one area of concern and that's with collecting/utilizing fresh cut trees run through a chipper. If the tree(s) had rot/termites existing you might very well import an unwelcome family to your residence and support their bad habit by use of their habitat.
But again, they're pretty obvious. Gardeners dig and divide/transplant frequently. Not all winged ants are bad but you're surely going to take notice. Borrowed internet pic, any search engine will produce more if there's any question.
Finding termites doesn't suggest you've got an infestation. No cause for alarm or immediate action. The fact that you've found them proves you're alive on planet Earth enjoying the riches she provides.
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