Termite Control Methods: Termite Resistant Mulch

A lot of people use mulch in their landscape for both water retention, weed control, soil improvement and perhaps a number of other reason. 

Unfortunately, since mulch is mostly comprised of wood, it's only natural that termites will see it as a buffet and dig in.  So, mulch can be like a disaster in the making.

Luckily, a study was done testing various breeds of termites and what mulches each was attracted to the most.  One finding done in 1999, found that termites were far from keen on cypress and redwood mulches, and refused to eat melaleuca wood mulch.

So, if you're looking for a termite resistant mulch as part of your landscaping program, look for those made of these three species.

Also, be sure to place a protective layer of black landscaping plastic on the soil before applying the mulch, since termites live in the soil and can come directly up into the mulch. 

If you're applying mulch closer to your home, you definitely want to use melaleuca, since the termites in the study refused to eat it.

If you want to avoid attracting termites at all, skip the mulch and go with stone.  It might be more expensive, but it's a whole lot cheaper than paying for an exterminator.

Bear in mind, termites are persistent little guys, so realise that there's no such thing as a 100% termite resistant mulch.

So, pick one that has been shown to annoy termites, and remember to put down the plastic to help keep the termites in the soil and out of your house.