Another thing we will be doing very soon is mulching. Not my favorite activity since I have so much to do. However, I learned something last year that I never gave much thought to. We had our home inspected for termites and we learned that we had termites thriving in our mulch. Thankfully, no infestation to the house. I also found out that this is a very common problem and can be treated easily.

For a little more information, there are two types of termite infestations: subterranean and above-ground. Subterranean termites build their nests under the soil, where they feed on plant roots. Above-ground termites build mounds, which look like hills. This type of termite can also cause severe structural damage.

Why do termites go after mulch? Termites will move into mulch and build their colony because the mulch provides a food source for the termites. Ninety percent of mulch is made from wood which is made up of lignin and cellulose.

Mulch retains heat and provides the ideal temperature of 75 to 95 degrees for termites to thrive. 

Termites are subterranean creatures that can live in the soil for their entire life and can easily find their way into mulch if there is no barrier present beneath the mulch layer of soil. Termites will often nest in areas where they feel safe, and they will tend to move into these safe areas when temperatures drop below 75 degrees.

If you have a sizable issue with termites in your mulch, it might be best to take a look at insecticides. I frequent my local agricultural store and the person I spoke with dealt with the same issue and recommended an insecticide.

There are two main chemicals used in Insecticides to kill termites fipronil and hexaflumuron.

Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide that belongs to the phenylpyrazole chemical family. Fipronil disrupts the insect’s central nervous system. Fipronil is commonly found in Regent. It is used against major lepidopteran (moth, butterfly, etc.) and orthopteran (grasshopper, locust, etc.) pests on a wide range of field and horticultural crops.

Hexaflumuron is used as an insecticide specifically against termites. It inhibits the growth of insects because it intervenes in the synthesis of chitin.

Termite bait is an effective insecticide that is applied to wood in order to kill termites. It is usually sprayed on the mulched surface. 

For you more organic gardeners, there are some natural remedies to try and they are as follows:

These methods are effective when used at the onset of a termite infestation. If the termite colony has been fully established, then a more elaborate method is recommended.

Another thing to consider is the type of mulch you are using. If the usual mulch is something you want to eliminate then the following would be recommended:

Leaf mulch

Compost

Rubber mulch

Plastic mulch

Rock mulch

Pebbles

Larva Rocks

Material came from https://flourishingplants.com/termites-in-mulch