Termites in mulch!!!!! AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
chueh
15 years ago
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gardenlen
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agojean001
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Termites in wood mulch??
Comments (6)Kimmsr's answer is correct - maybe, maybe not. Mulch does not actively encourage termites (and contrary to common thought, wood mulches seldom, if ever, import live termites) but it can increase the ability of termites to survive where they are already established, by maintaining soil moisture and moderating soil temperatures. Do some research - lots of the extension offices publish site-specific recommendations/worksheets on termites or termites and mulch. There are some 2700+ species throughout the globe, so not all termites behave the same or feed on the same materials. And fear of termites is never a good reason NOT to mulch - the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. Just follow common sense and keep wood mulches an appropriate distance away from any wood structures....See MoreTermites, Mulch, Heavy Clay Soil, Raised beds
Comments (3)yes, what did you decide. I am where the sand blows up from Palm Springs into the higher levels of the desert. We have deep sand and crud for dirt. Takes a lot of compost for any reason. I am using containers (old trunk bottoms, plastic and chip board, deep wire trays) and putting up on top of legs (saw horses, old bath bench, old bench made with headboards and other table legs). I am lining it all with newspaper (and maybe also material), I also have some old drawers that I am gona do something with. I want to get up so I can use good dirt and be away from these pesky gophers and where the dogs will not dig. I also have a large bookcase that I will reinforce and add table legs to put in somethings. Still working this out bot in the yard and on paper. I plan on using some recycle type water in a big barrel to be able to water efficiently. I say recycle water cause if the grandkids play in a big tub or pool...I will use that water to water the garden. Thinking about setting up an outside shower and capture that water, lol. Who knows what will work annd what I will do. But I am gona try it this year. I am also going to try a potato tower....See MoreWood mulch & termites?
Comments (11)I don't know as for the termites- but that was one reason we did it. I was hoping to dissuade them. It may be more like 10" than a foot, but it's fairly deep. I didn't want weeds germinating and i wanted to channel water away from the foundation, so the bottom of it is packed clay that slants away from the house. The deeper side that is next to the beds is about a foot, the shallower side next to the house maybe 8"? I wanted that excess water in my beds to water my plants. It's been a long time since we put it in. It's only about 18" wide, too- about the width of the overhang- we put it right where the drip line for the roof is. So you're talking an area about 18"x 50' x an average of 10" deep- that's not tons of gravel. Regular grey gravel is cheap, and we just went to the quarry and got it bulk, so the quantity of rock really wasn't an issue. It's not so much a decorative thing for potted stuff (though i do use it as a holding area) as it is easy access behind my beds and to the windows for maintenance. We also really, really like the way it prevents splash back for getting on the house so much - before we did that we would have a mess every time it rained on the lower portion, which is light siding for part of it. During the drought we installed 2 rain barrels in it, so now it's not quite as nice since the path is broken up, but it still helps....See Moredoes wood chip mulch attract termites?
Comments (22)There are many sites on the web addressing this topic and some say yes and some say no. Some say don't put any kind of wood mulch by your foundation. The science that I have read says that if you have termites in the soil, they will like your new wood chip mulch. If you don't, it will not attract them. Based on the science, the issue is not wood but moisture. You should ensure that the foundation around your house is properly drained. If so, and inch or two of mulch will likely not create an increased risk for termite infestation. I've been using mulch around my house for 20 years (in NC) and have had no termites. If you want to be on the safe side, you can not put them withing 2-3 feet of your foundation - or if you must for whatever reason, apply an insecticide that will kill any termites around the perimiter of your house (you should be doing this anyway!) I have a half acre landscpape and a tree company removing trees kindly gave me a dump truck full of wood chips. I am using them on my garden "trails" over fabric cloth--they make a wonderful soft walking surface. I am also using them judiciously in an area that I want to look natural. I am putting a light layer on top of fallen leaves - which gives it a nice uniform appearance and prevents the leaves from blowing around. I will likely spread some insecticide in the entire area just to be on the safe side - and if it gets rid of the million tics on my property, that would be a benefit....See Morejbest123
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agochueh
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agojbest123
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agoKimmsr
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agochueh
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agojbest123
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agosudzy
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agoKimmsr
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15 years agolast modified: 9 years agochueh
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agojoe.jr317
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15 years agolast modified: 9 years agojbest123
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agoadirondackgardener
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agoKimmsr
15 years agolast modified: 9 years agojoe.jr317
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15 years agolast modified: 9 years agodavid52 Zone 6
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