I had a stump ground down, and now I have a lot of shredded wood to use for mulch. I have plants against the house. Can I use this mulch safely. And before anyone comments, yes I read about the circulating email that warned against the dreaded formosan termite from new orleans. I know that's a myth.
2006-11-17 12:01:26 · 8 answers · asked by brokenjack 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
You should keep all wood products (mulch included) away from your home's foundation. The termites view it as a welcome mat to your home. From there, they build a tunnel up the foundation wall and into your home.
People tend to plant shrubs,etc., close to their home, and then put mulch around them. The mulch applications eventually spread up to the house foundation, and then the welcome mat has been set. The pest control companies love that. It helps ensure they'll never run out of customers.
If you want a border around your home, lay gravel or stone. Mulch is not recommended. I can't remember the exact distance, but it shouldn't be applied any closer than 2 or 3 feet from the foundation, I think.
2006-11-17 12:16:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I sold a house a few months ago and the buyers had a termite inspection done. The house cleared but termites were found in the mulch at one corner of the house. The buyers asked us to treat the house again even though it had been treated just weeks before. Instead I had the company that treated the house earlier explain to the buyers that the house was protected and under warranty. Termites in the mulch were no threat as long as the house was treated.
2006-11-17 12:09:50 · answer #2 · answered by JBEW 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I'd use the mulch in gardens that are at least a foot or 2 away from your house. Formosan termites are pretty evil little creatures, can eat a house in a few months. However, they like specific conditions, water, cracked slab, food aka mulch (or even mortar if they are hungry enough). They can also get into trees and kill them. They look like ants w/ red dots on them.
2006-11-17 12:24:33 · answer #3 · answered by Michelle G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes sir mulch can attract termites just as untreated much from the store. Make sure that if you house has wood at its base not to spread the mulch too close. You should be ok.
2006-11-17 12:09:52 · answer #4 · answered by jessie_goines 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't use shredded wood for mulch near structures! Termites eat wood fiber and you're laying out a banquet when you put it near a house.
Bark is not termite food. Bark is a better choice than wood.
Decorative rock is the best choice near a structure to deter termite activity.
2006-11-19 14:59:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being from Florida, I can tell you that termites can live on concrete, so wood mulch is a slam dunk!
2006-11-17 12:03:49 · answer #6 · answered by maggiepirsq 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Termites usually like dry ground
but fire ants and others love mulch
2006-11-17 12:11:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If its wood they will come. Keep it away from the base of your home. Use pinestraw or rocks instead. m
2006-11-17 23:39:59 · answer #8 · answered by Mache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋