Does mulch increase the possibility of termites?

Question

I'm planning an extensive curb appeal project for spring. I have two front yards - separated by steps. Both are sloped. Not real steep. One is approximately 9' X 12'. The other is about 5' X 12'. I'm thinking about laying down some landscape fabric and filling the areas with mulch rather than rock. I believe mulch is cheaper. Maybe some big rocks. Some sawgrass. First, I'm wondering how much this is going to set back me back? More importantly, someone once told me mulch increases the possibility of termites visiting? Is this true?

Answer 1

Mulch has long been the "source" of termites, mold, etc. The fact is that some mulch (cedar bark) have been used to reduce and eliminate such pests.
Forget the fiber. It is a pain. Begin with a design plan to include all seasons and color. The cost will depend on your own personal opinion. Most designs begin at the front door with matching specimen plantings (read expensive). The remaining bed area can/should be a mixture of year-round plants and annuals (read cheap).
There are a number of products available to you that can control weeds pre and post emergent without using the fiber. Any bed that might be replaced seasonal or yearly should not have the fiber. For example, you plant annual flowers. The soil already has weed seed in it and you turn it over by cutting the fibre. Does the fibre stop the exposed weed seed?
A good triple shredded mulch at an appropriate level combined with a Preen or Dyclomec application will prevent the weeds. Apply only after the final planting and water it in. The triple shred will provide rich topsoil within two/three years. If you are worried about critters a simple solution is to apply a granular (granular only) Sevin. This will filter through the soil and eliminate most insects including your termites.
Whereas your region is not noted the plantings can not be recommended. My email is [e-mail]. I have been a landscape designer for thirty years and currently retired. I would like to help you place the cheapest and best plantings in your plans. I made my monies by going best, cheap, easiest, and low maintenance. Good Luck.

Answer 2

You know something, Im not sure. I planted a tree about 2 yrs ago & composted it & didnt get termites 'til last summer.
Im think'g not but could be wrong. I think I got mine from the neighbors.
Some1 told me they fly but I dont see how when they look like lil worms.
You wouldnt think of termites if some1 said Arizona to U, but, we have them. Go figure~
As for killing them, Bleach works well. If U get them, skim the top of the column, so that U can see em ~ white lil wormies & pour bleach on them. They die pretty fast. U'll know cuz they squirm alot. & keep doing that for a while. Only problem is they move.

Answer 3

Yes, because it is dead wood.