Mulch That Doesn't Attract Termites

Mulch is not what attracts termites to your home or causes them to feed in a particular area. Rather, the conditions the mulch creates or a favorable environment that already existed in the area beneath the mulch leads termites to a certain location. A chief factor in their movement is moisture.

The same benefits mulch provides for trees, shrubs and other landscape plants can help termites to thrive, regardless of the type of mulch you select. Mulch reduces soil compaction and regulates soil temperatures, creating favorable soil conditions for termites. Mulch prevents evaporation of moisture, and many types of mulch stop the formation of a crust on the surface of soil, allowing water to penetrate into deeper layers. Termites need this moisture for tunneling and to keep their bodies hydrated.

It may surprise you to learn, but bark mulch is not considered to be any more of a danger for attracting termites than any other form of mulch. Bark mulch is a readily available and reasonably inexpensive form of mulch, and it reduces weed growth. If you do use a wood mulch around your home, pull it back several inches -- extension resources suggest six to 12 inches -- from your home. Mulch should not come into contact with your foundation. Limit your application of mulch to a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer.

Leaf mold mulch causes the soil to form a crust and keeps water from penetrating. Leaf mold also prevents erosion. Because leaf mold decreases soil moisture, this mulch may reduce the chances that termites will populate the mulched area. However, mulches that are less likely to prove beneficial to termites may prove problematic for plants. Unless your landscape plants are tolerant of drier soils, are deep-rooted or have root systems capable of penetrating crusted soils, your plants may suffer. Be aware that leaf mold mulch is made up of partially decomposed leaves. Layers of recently fallen leaves can become matted, trap moisture and may create conditions favorable for termites.

Ground rubber tire mulch is an example of an artificial mulch. Artificial mulches take a far longer time to break down, reducing the need to reapply them, but these mulches offer no nutritional amendments to the soil. Chemicals may leach from mulches made of tires, and tire mulch can also prove a fire hazard. While termites cannot feed on these mulches, they may trap moisture if applied in a too-thick layer.

Any mulch option you choose may lead to one or more conditions that benefit termites. Termites can't eat black plastic, but it may hide their tunnels. Rock is inefficient at preventing weed growth and can create cool conditions that protect termites from exposure to high temperatures. Both of these options may trap additional moisture in the soil.