Does wood mulch attract termites? Are stone mulches safer to use in place of shredded mulch?
A. Termites also known as subterranean termites are soil-dwelling insects that require even soil moisture and protection from temperature extremes to thrive. You may be surprised to learn that pea gravel and river rock used as mulch near buildings are just as likely to support termites as wood-based mulches. Although termites sometimes feed on wood mulch, it is not a preferred food source because it has low nutritional value for them. Mulch of all kinds can create a perfect environment for termite activity because it helps maintain soil moisture and moderates soil temperatures. Since moisture is the main attractant, the type of wood mulch used makes no difference. The amount of mulch is a more important factor. Stone mulches can also contribute to termite problems since they help keep the soil evenly moist A two-inch layer of mulch is sufficient to obtain its benefits for plants maintaining soil moisture, moderating soil temperatures, and keeping weeds down. Wood-based mulches have the
