Are There Termites In Your Mulch?

A common question we get from homeowners is, "Can I get termites from mulch?" 

Rumors and myths are abundant regarding termites and mulch.   

Mulch itself does not attract or support the life cycle of colonized, subterranean termites.  Why?

Mulch is a topdressing.  It is applied on top of the soil.  Termites that plague homes are subterranean termites. Subterranean termites live in the soil and are likely all around our homes. Termites prefer a cool, moist environment, which mulch provides.  Mulch can, however, create a suitable environment for termites that already exist in the soil, which can sometimes bring them to the surface and make termites noticeable, which isn't altogether a bad thing.  Most of the time, termite damage goes un-noticed because we don't typically see the actual termite until the damage is uncovered.

Is it possible?  Yes.  However, the total number of termites introduced into a property is insignificant  compared to the total number of termites already present in the soil.  Introducing termites into a property is unlikely because reproductive queen termites that are responsible for establishing new colonies live only in the soil and are not present in mulch.  When mulch is processed, termite colonies are destroyed.  Remaining termites die within a couple of weeks due to lack of nutrition and, quite frankly, lack of the colony. 

Additionally, research has found that mulch is nutritionally inadequate to support subterranian termite populations. For example, bark mulches, which contain indigestible lignin, are an insufficient food source for termites. Gravel mulches, however, have been found to increase termite populations due to its ability to increase termite populations due to its ability to promote cooler conditions and retain soil moisture.

General rules of thumb regarding mulch applications: 

• Apply mulch at a depth of 2"-3"
• Disturb mulch routinely, which reduces the ability of arthropods and/or other invertebrates to establish
• Keep mulches at least 6 inches away from building foundations. This minimizes the abundance of occasional invaders and allows termite inspectors to see the bare concrete foundation at ground level to facilitate observation of termite tubes
• Use inorganic mulches near foundations with the exception of gravel
• Get an annual termite inspection