Termites In Mulch Pile

The termites don t bring on the mulch the mulch brings on the termite.

Termites in mulch pile. 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. The termite in question is the subterranean termite. Old piles of firewood close to your house may attract destructive carpenter ants and termites if you see signs of termite activity including the mud tubes termites build to get from place to place damaged wood that has been hollowed out along the grain or if you see a swarm of winged termites or evidence they have swarmed in your house such as shed wings contact an exterminator. However they re not impossible to get rid of.

There are several reasons why we usually associate mulch with a risk of termites and why the latter can indeed like the former so much. Piles of mulch around your house can create a very inviting environment for termites and other insects and critters in the area. Termites have certain requirements like darkness a food supply and moisture which must be what your mulch pile provides. Large pieces of wood boards or pressure treated railroad ties are even more.

Many insects inhabit compost piles and in general their activity is beneficial see references 1. Chances are you have the subterranean termite living in the soil somewhere on your property. Even if this termite does not come with the mulch the mulch will make a bridge the termites can cross with out coming in contact with the ground or chemical. You could start shifting the pile moving it and breaking up the pile to let in light let the moisture dissipate.

It s more important to pay attention to environments around your home that may be friendly to termite growth rather than introducing a problem with a bag of mulch. Thankfully managed properly you can have a mulch pile without being eaten out of house and home by unwanted wood eating guests. Being in a contact with soil this material placed near a termites colony will cause insects extermination. Particularly the flying swarmers those that spawn new colonies that look for suitable environments and find them in combination with with a nice protective moist warm foundation.

Termites for example can turn slow composting chipped wood or brush into powdery organic. Termites in mulch piles are possible only if the pile is constantly kept very moist.