Do mulches such as cypress mulch attract termites or naturally contain them?
Some people are confused about termites and mulch, believing that mulch either contains or attracts termites. What’s evident is that there is an absolute link between them. Here are things you need to know about the connection between mulch and termites.
Why termites have the affinity towards mulches?
One of the benefits of using mulches which are used in landscaping is to keep the environment moist. This moisture is fir for growing shrubs, trees, flowers, etc. However, termites also do love moisture, similar to other insects and bugs. The mulch then serves as their cover while they are digging tunnels looking for food such as solid wood.
In actuality, termites don’t feed on the mulch. However, the mulch provides better conditions for termites to start a colony. Thus, mulches don’t really attract termites but serve as its home.
Do mulch stores spread termites?
Some people say that the large chain stores that sell mulches such as cypress mulch are the culprits of the presence of termites in some gardens. However, such case is unlikely. You may find termites in a bag of mulch, but they will not survive for too long. Why?
With the chipping process involved in creating bagged mulches, it is impossible that termites can survive. And even if some survives, they will not last long for they are already separated from their colony. Just know that termites mainly feed on solid wood than on mulches.
What are termite-resistant mulches?
There are some types of wood that are preferred by termites, while others are just too toxic for them to digest. To name a few of these termite-resistant mulches are cypress heartwood and cedar mulch, with the former’s extracts found to repel termites.
How to avoid termites in mulch?
Note that there are steps you can do to reduce risks of having termites on your mulches, especially cypress mulch. One is to maintain a long-term termite control and prevention.
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