Termite Issue With Mulch?

[Fltpkr]

We are planning a landscaping project around our home and are considering using pine bark mulch instead of pine straw or rocks. We know there are good reasons to use mulch, but we are concerned about whether we will be creating a termite problem for the future. There are speculations and theories about pine bark mulch providing an environment conducive to termite infestations, but our searching have not found any hard factual information or any real evidence of actual termite problems created by mulch. Of course, we will be asking the landscapers and our pest control company, but we thought TOTV folks might have some good information or might have actually experienced an issue with mulch and termites. Thanks for any info.

[retiredguy123]

In my opinion, there is no issue with termites and mulch. Your house will not be more likely to be infested with termites if you place mulch around the exterior. It is done all the time.

[vintageogauge]

In my opinion, there is no issue with termites and mulch. Your house will not be more likely to be infested with termites if you place mulch around the exterior. It is done all the time.

Yes, but it does make a great home for weeds.

[DAVES]

We are planning a landscaping project around our home and are considering using pine bark mulch instead of pine straw or rocks. We know there are good reasons to use mulch, but we are concerned about whether we will be creating a termite problem for the future. There are speculations and theories about pine bark mulch providing an environment conducive to termite infestations, but our searching have not found any hard factual information or any real evidence of actual termite problems created by mulch. Of course, we will be asking the landscapers and our pest control company, but we thought TOTV folks might have some good information or might have actually experienced an issue with mulch and termites. Thanks for any info.

Like most things there is no shortage of misinformation. There are two basic groups of termites. The subterranean termites need ground contact. The other group flies in.
Both need moisture. As far a mulch attracting termites. Many people have landscaping done-cement wall etc and then pile mulch on this new raised ground level. When, you pile stuff closer to wood. It is a diner call to termites. Pine needles, pine straw, it is not big enough for termites to live inside of it. Pine bark, If, I was using it I would pay a bit more and get cedar bark-it is naturally resistant to termites. Our home is 10 years old and we have pine straw-no termites.

[njbchbum]

Have you gotten your landscape plan approved by ARC?

[Orvil]

Use shredded cypress mulch. Critters hate cypress.

[Michael G.]

Regardless of what you use for mulch, keep it away from the bottom foundation of your house.
Hired landscapers like to replenish mulch over time and the mulch can easily build up
around your concrete foundation to attract all critters.

[frose]

rubber mulch... lasts forever, no bugs

[Babubhat]

Cypress mulch

[Rwirish]

No problems and pine straw or bark is recommended by The Villages Master Gardners. Landscapers will recommend rocks as they are a high profit margin.

[tsmall22204]

At first I had pine bark mulch (nuggets). I had it removed and stones put in. Whenever it rains or the wind blows, you will be cleaning the mulch from your yard. Annually you will purchase multitudes of mulch bags. GET STONES!

[panamachica]

I once was spreading pine straw and found a baby snake in the pine needles.

[Rzepecki]

In my opinion, there is no issue with termites and mulch. Your house will not be more likely to be infested with termites if you place mulch around the exterior. It is done all the time.

Ditto. In addition, you’ll have fewer weeds with mulch than you will with stone.

[rogerk]

The big advantage to pine straw is it retains moisture in the soil and reduces weeds versus bark mulch.

Both are messy and do not last as long as River rock put down on top of a an agricultural weed blanket.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Use shredded cypress mulch. Critters hate cypress.

NO!!!😱 Pine straw is a better alternative. UF/IFAS urges against using cypress mulch due to depletion of this tree. If you’re concerned about wood mulch next to the foundation, place about a 6”-12” barrier of stone. Use a color that is close to the color of the mulch.

[vintageogauge]

Ditto. In addition, you’ll have fewer weeds with mulch than you will with stone.

Not true, Mulch is a perfect for weed growth, I have stone with virtually no weeds, my neighbor has mulch and is constantly maintaining the weeds.

[jammaiora]

We are planning a landscaping project around our home and are considering using pine bark mulch instead of pine straw or rocks. We know there are good reasons to use mulch, but we are concerned about whether we will be creating a termite problem for the future. There are speculations and theories about pine bark mulch providing an environment conducive to termite infestations, but our searching have not found any hard factual information or any real evidence of actual termite problems created by mulch. Of course, we will be asking the landscapers and our pest control company, but we thought TOTV folks might have some good information or might have actually experienced an issue with mulch and termites. Thanks for any info.
Rock is the only solution for keeping insects out of your shrubs/garden. Bark and pine straw attract insects and you have the addition cost of replacing in the future.

[Road-Runner]

We have Massey do our termite protection at both houses and when we had our last inspection I asked about ground coverings and he said mulch was not worse than rock as long as you don't let it decay and start breaking down. At that point it becomes candy for the termites. I brought up that I always thought it breaking down was a good thing as it contributed to the soil especially down here where it is so handy. He said rake the decomposing mulch a few feet from the foundation and only keep fresher mulch there and you're good. He said rocks can create shade and dampness just like mulch can which is what allows termites to camp out. I was surprised thinking rock would always be better.

[Michael G.]

I had a good fishing friend horticulturist back in Wisconsin that warn homeowners don't use stone, (especially white/light stone)
when planting around flowers and tender shrubbery.
Reason being the reflective light and heat on the underside of those tender leaves will destroy them.

[jrzeis@tampabay.rr.com]

Go with river rock, it lasts longer (duh, it's a rock), pine bark will turn grey after about a year and not be as attractive, cedar bark is more expensive, any mulch you put down will need to be added to every two years and no mulch will last more than three years. Regardless of what you put down make sure that the highest quality landscape fabric is put down first otherwise weeds and grass will grow through it and you will constantly be spraying weed and grass killer to get rid of it. I know river rock is much more expensive but it will only need to be done once. And one more think about cedar mulch, it floats so it will move around in heavy rains. You will need a barrier regardless of what you choose.

[jimjamuser]

We are planning a landscaping project around our home and are considering using pine bark mulch instead of pine straw or rocks. We know there are good reasons to use mulch, but we are concerned about whether we will be creating a termite problem for the future. There are speculations and theories about pine bark mulch providing an environment conducive to termite infestations, but our searching have not found any hard factual information or any real evidence of actual termite problems created by mulch. Of course, we will be asking the landscapers and our pest control company, but we thought TOTV folks might have some good information or might have actually experienced an issue with mulch and termites. Thanks for any info.
A few years ago we bought green colored (there may be other colors) mulch or you might call them stones that were made from old automobile tires. I doubt termites would live in those. Also, we put small-sized shell around the house.

[jimjamuser]

I once was spreading pine straw and found a baby snake in the pine needles.
Snakes are everywhere here, This is Florida! I once saw a LARGE rattlesnake skin inside the area of a popular POOL. I have seen. And rattlesnakes get SUPER big in Florida. I have seen grown men holding up dead rattlers in pictures. Some are as long as the men were tall. Best protection is to hope for a BLACKSNAKE to stay in your backyard. Do NOT hurt BLACKSNAKES or even drive them away!

[Quixote]

We've used pine bark mulch for countless years and have never had a problem with termites. I would make sure it's not piled up against the house, just to be on the safe side.