Termites In Mulch

But mulch does not cause termites.

Termites in mulch. Termites typically pre exist deep underground in moist environments. Termites dry out easily so they prefer to dig their tunnels in wet soil. Redwood and cypress contain resins that make the wood less attractive to termites. The reason mulch creates a good habitat for a termite is because the soil beneath mulch is warm and moist.

They tunnel through the earth to find woody food products for their food. They love it because it provides a cool and moist space. Some kinds of mulch may even repel termites. Being in a contact with soil this material placed near a termites colony will cause insects extermination.

Different types of mulch are made from different ingredients some of which won t be of interest to or may even help repel termites. In the field termites were detected with equal frequency beneath mulches of eucalyptus hardwood pine bark and pea gravel and bare uncovered soil. And termites don t typically thrive in mulch piles. Mulch typically dries out enough that it is not a conducive environment for termites to build a nest.

A common fear when buying mulch is that of introducing new termites to one s yard along with the mulch. Cedar mulch contains thujone which is a chemical that deters insects. Termites don t love mulch because they want to it eat the wood however. Cypress sapwood white birch and types of pine are more favorable to termites.

The first variant and probably the best way to get rid of termites in mulch is to impregnate its components with a borate salt an important boron component a salt of boric acid and a mineral. You may be surprised to learn that pea gravel and river rock used as mulch near buildings are just as likely to support termites as wood based mulches. 1 termite resistant mulch thankfully not all mulch attracts termites equally. The hospitable conditions beneath mulch likely accounted for the termite foraging activity.

Of these cypress heartwood is the only wood officially rated as termite resistant. Termites in mulch piles are possible only if the pile is constantly kept very moist. Termites also known as subterranean termites are soil dwelling insects that require even soil moisture and protection from temperature extremes to thrive. Termites are attracted to mulch but not for the reasons you may think.

Sustained activity over time was significantly higher beneath gravel mulch. There are a few types of mulch made from trees that are known to deter termites including cypress heartwood melaleuca eucalyptus red cypress and california redwood.