Does mulch attract pests like termites?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.When applied correctly, mulch does not attract termites. Termites are looking for moist wood that is in contact with the soil - not dry surface mulch. If a garden is maintained properly, pests will not thrive. I have mulched gardens for 20 years without termites, simply by taking a few essential steps.
Moisture Control
- Critical Factor: Termites require 20%+ wood moisture
- Solution: Keep mulch dry on top; water only soil
- Monitoring: Use moisture meter weekly
- Risk Level: High when constantly damp
- Tip: Slope mulch away from foundations
Barrier Mulches
- Effective Choices: Cedar, cypress, melaleuca
- Why: Contain natural oils like thujone
- Repellency: 92% termite avoidance in studies
- Application: 3-inch perimeter around structures
- Tip: Refresh oils annually with essential sprays
Structural Clearance
- Minimum Gap: 12 inches (30 cm) from foundations
- Why: Breaks termite access routes
- Alternative: Use stone or gravel in 18-inch band
- Inspection: Check quarterly for mud tubes
- Tip: Install physical termite shields
Properly apply mulch to deter pests. Keep a 12-inch clearance from structures. Rake the top layer every week to maintain a dry surface. Never pile near structures or trees. I use cedar chips in my Houston garden around my house and standard wood chips elsewhere. It works out beautifully.
Natural solutions increase deterrents. Plant termiticidal plants such as mint and marigolds along mulch perimeters. Use diatomaceous earth as a high protection, planted out around your building. Observe the presence of termites using cardboard traps, evaluated monthly. All of these methods add multiple layers of security and utilize no chemicals.
Read the full article: Top 10 Best Mulch for Gardens: Ultimate Guide
