- LAST UPDATED: August 25, 2024
Termites, tiny but incredibly destructive pests, can cause considerable headaches for homeowners and gardeners alike. One place where these unwanted guests often find refuge is in mulch.
Mulch creates a favorable environment for termites due to its moisture and food sources. To handle termites in mulch effectively, maintain a gap from your property’s foundation, inspect regularly for signs of activity, and consider non-wood alternatives. For bagged mulch, seal it tightly and expose the bag to direct sunlight or freeze it for several days to eliminate them.
In this article, take a closer look at termites in mulch – what to do about it, and ways to prevent infestations.
Why are Termites in Mulch?
Termites are a type of wood-destroying insect found in mulch, especially when made from wood chips or bark. Mulch provides a suitable environment for termites to thrive as it retains moisture and offers a source of food.
The most common type of termites attracted to mulch are subterranean termites. This termite species inhabits underground colonies and constructs mud tubes to navigate above ground for their food sources.
When mulch is placed near the foundation of a building, it can create an attractive pathway for termites to enter the structure. As termites feed on the mulch, they may start infesting nearby wooden structures, causing potential damage to homes, fences, or other wooden elements.
What To Do If Termites Are In Mulch
If you discover termites in the mulch, it’s essential to take immediate action to prevent further infestation and potential damage to your property. (Please see our guides for properly identifying the signs of termites.)
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Stop Mulching
Cease adding more mulch to the affected area. By stopping mulching, you reduce the available food source for the termites, which may discourage them from staying in the area.
2. Remove Infested Mulch
Carefully remove the mulch where the termites are present. Use gloves and do not disturb the termites to prevent them from scattering to other areas.
3. Dispose Of The Mulch
To properly dispose of termite-infested mulch, isolate the affected mulch, seal it in a plastic bag or container, and contact waste management for appropriate disposal guidelines.
Avoid composting the infested mulch to prevent the spread of termites. For significant infestations, consider seeking help from a pest control professional.
4. Inspect Your Property
Conduct a thorough inspection of your property, including the foundation, wooden structures, and other potential termite entry points.
Look for indications of termite activity, such as mud tubes, damaged wood, or discarded wings.
5. Consult A Professional
If the infestation is significant or you are unsure of how to deal with termites effectively, it’s best to contact a pest control professional. They can properly assess the situation, provide appropriate treatment, and advise on termite prevention.
6. Implement Preventive Measures
After addressing the current infestation, take preventive measures to reduce the risk of future termite problems (described below).
This may include maintaining a gap between mulch and structures, using termite-resistant mulch alternatives like rocks or rubber mulch, and conducting regular termite inspections.
How To Deal With Termites In Bagged Mulch
Act quickly and responsibly if termites are found in bagged mulch from a garden store.
Isolate the infested mulch, inform the store about the issue, and follow their guidance on disposal.
Inspect your garden and property for termite activity and take appropriate measures to address it. Adhere to local regulations for the disposal and reporting of infestations.
Killing Termites Inside Bagged Mulch
You may wish to use the infested mulch by killing the termites directly inside.
To effectively kill termites in bagged mulch, seal the bag tightly and expose it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures for several days. Another option is freezing the bag for at least 48 hours.
These measures will ensure the eradication of termites, making the mulch safe for use in your garden or landscape without the risk of infestation. However, keep in mind that there is a risk of infestation if there are any termite survivors.
Seek advice from a pest control professional if needed.
How To Prevent Termites In Mulch
To prevent termite infestations caused by mulch, it is crucial to take specific preventive measures.
Consider the following:
- Gap Barrier: Maintain a 6-inch gap between the mulch and the foundation of your property to create a barrier that deters termites from accessing your home or structures.
- Inspections: Regularly inspect the mulched areas to spot early signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes or wood damage, and take prompt action if detected through professional termite treatment.
- Cedar Mulch: Consider using cedar mulch as it contains natural compounds that repel termites and other pests. The strong aroma of cedar mulch effectively deters termites from approaching and nesting in the mulch.
While cedar mulch can help in termite prevention, it is not foolproof. Termites may still find their way into other wooden structures or materials around the property.
- Non-Wood Mulch: Another proactive approach is to opt for non-wood mulch alternatives like rocks, gravel, or rubber. These materials do not serve as a food source for termites, making them less attractive habitats for these pests.
Using non-wood mulch alternatives reduces the risk of attracting termites, helps retain soil moisture, and provides aesthetic benefits for your garden or landscape.
Key Points
To handle termites in mulch, stop mulching in the affected area, remove infested mulch carefully, dispose of it properly, inspect your property for signs of termite activity, and consult a professional if needed.
Taking preventive measures is essential to protect your property and prevent future infestations. To prevent termite infestations in mulch-covered areas, maintain a gap between mulch and structures, conduct regular inspections, and use non-wood mulch alternatives.
If termites are in bagged mulch, use sunlight or freezing to eliminate them.
Being proactive and vigilant can help maintain a termite-free garden and landscape.
