Separating Myth From Fact
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Termites (Isoptera) are a common worry of homeowners.
Most people are concerned that a layer of mulch applied next to a house foundation might draw the pests.
It is a worry that spawns several different questions.
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Unhappily, not all experts agree on the answers to all of these questions.
Mulch itself isn’t a good source of nutrition for termites.
In fact, it’s a non-preferred food source.
Instead, termites live in the soil, and then seek out food sources.
Mulch simply provides conditions that help them thrive.
ensure gutters are clean and divert water away from the foundation by installing downspouts and splash blocks.
There is some disagreement over whether mulch should be allowed direct contact with your foundation.
Folks assume that, because termites eat wood, onlywood mulchespresent a problem.
That is a myth.
There is also the separate question of whether, technically speaking, mulch actually draws termites to your land.
Termites like moisture, and all mulches provide that to some degree.
In fact, good moisture-retention is one of the hallmarks of the most effective mulches.
Your plants enjoy this quality in a mulch, but so do the termites.
Cypress sapwood, loblolly pine, and slash pine are all favorites of termites.
Consequently, termites give you another reason not to like them: They can damageyour landscape plants.
First of all, find out what termites are and what they look like.
Termites are social insects, divided within their colonies by castes, and there are many different species.
Not all termites look alike.
Populations of the pests are far-ranging; there are termites on every continent except Antarctica.
Regularly inspect the mulch in foundation plantings to determine if any termites are present.
If you find any, contact a reputable professional in the termite-control business immediately.
