Mulching against the foundation attracts termites. What options are there?
2007-05-20 14:22:24 · 8 answers · asked by billiestephens 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Just learned this today, you are in luck. Sheets of newspaper esp those with plant based inks. Cedar mulch, NO to the red mulch which (the little devils) have dye in them and yes to fibrous mulch cheaper than cedar but nice. I would also have no problem going to intercept paper from those recycling places where folks in cars (like I used to back when I actually READ or had time to read) come up and drop plastic bags w newspapers in and around the recycling dumpster or site. Sure they won't mind, tell em it's for mulch if someone gets uppity. You are an environmentalist, then run. Seriously, There's a lot of paper out there, it can be used. Take care.
2007-05-20 14:33:14 · answer #1 · answered by flowerlady60 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will probably be unable to prevent all erosion on this slope when you do mulch covered fabric. The best bet would be to divert water around the bed rather than through it (see answer above). Then be sure to have a good barrier at the bottom (edging, rock, etc.) so that what mulch is eroded does not get completely washed away, and can be easily raked back into position. Planting shubs or other plants will not do a lot in the case since the roots will be below the fabric. You could however plant a few vines (such as Virginia Creeper [Parthenocissus quinquefolia]), which will grow out across the ground and help to hold the mulch in place.
2016-05-22 12:12:40 · answer #2 · answered by vernice 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spray the foundation with Ortho Termite and carpenter ant killer(orhtoklor),which last for 5 years, then apply Scotts NatureScapes Mulch(red,brown,black) where you need to. Both Lowes and Home Depot carry these products. Good Luck!
2007-05-20 15:08:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can use rubber mulch or red cypress mulch either of which will not harbor termites. Oak mulch or Oak Tow (the most common) attracts termites, provides them with a home and feeds them too - so stay away from that. place a piece of plastic near the foundation and cover it with mulch. That way the ground beneath will stay dry and discourage insects.
2007-05-20 14:53:58 · answer #4 · answered by pilot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stones/rocks directly against the foundation might be okay, but I mow close to the house, and leave it at that. A nice mulch is pine needles. Does your city have a park or cemetery with big old pine trees? The piles of needles after they rake might be available free for the hauling.
2007-05-20 15:38:30 · answer #5 · answered by lula 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might try the rubber mulch, you can do a web search on it and it comes in quite a few different colors...it is expensive but will out last regular mulches...
2007-05-20 14:36:31 · answer #6 · answered by judy_derr38565 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
use rocks to line your garden all the way around and use a wood that has been smoke treated that way it will be less attractive to termites.
2007-05-20 14:27:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
try a cedar mulch it is insect resistant
2007-05-20 14:29:17 · answer #8 · answered by thomasl 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋