Bark Mulch
More and more homes these days are using bark mulch as a ground cover in flower beds. Almost all the builders are using landscape companies to landscape their new homes with bark Mulch.
Bark Mulch can come in a variety of colors, sizes, as well as different kinds from a variety of trees. Some of the bark mulch sold is treated to prevent termites and other wood destroying insects. Depending on what kind of bark mulch it is may determine where it came from. Always review on the bag where the bark mulch came from. This is important as different areas of the United States have different kinds of wood destroying insects and certain areas are more heavily infested with wood destroying insects. So it is very important to know where the bark mulch came from and if it has been treated for wood destroying insects.
RP Lee Termite & Pest Control as a rule does not recommend the use of any kind of bark mulch, fire wood, or stored wood to be used or stored anywhere around the perimeter of the home/structure.
- The Brazos Valley has a large concentration of subterranean termites as well as other wood destroying insects.
- Untreated bark mulch or any other kind of wood on the ground around the home/structure attracts wood destroying insects. This increases the chance of the home/structure getting wood destroying insects.
- Treated bark mulch over time looses its treatment. This includes rail road ties, landscape timbers, fences, and any other treated wood. Any kind of wood left on the ground will eventually rot or weather. As it rots it has a greater chance to getting wood destroying insects.
- Bark Mulch that comes in from other areas of the country that has not been treated or was not treated properly for wood destroying insects has the possibility of bringing in wood destroying insects from other areas.
- Some states like Louisiana have had to impose a quarantine on wood products such as bark mulch from leaving its borders or being sold to other states that has not been properly treated, do to being heavily infested with the Drywood and Formosan termites. Be sure the bags of bark mulch from these areas or properly labeled and that they have been treated. Do not purchase anything from these states that are not properly marked.
RP Lee Termite & Pest Control recommends the use of one or more of the following around the perimeter of the home or in flower beds:
- Rubber ground cover. This comes in a variety of colors and sizes that make it look like wood bark mulch.
- River Rock
- Pea Gravel
- Lava Rock
- Dirt or sand
Remember try to keep at least 2” to 4” of slab clearance around the perimeter of the home, never cover up the weep holes in the brick or rock siding. Have your home inspected yearly for wood destroying insects and condusive conditions. If you suspect or know you have wood destroying insects in excess wood or bark mulch around your home/structure call RP Lee Termite & Pest Control for all the options in control, treatment, or monitoring.
