Can mulch contribute to termite problems?
The possibility is remote. Termites can be found in mulch, but their survival is poor and here’s why: The ability of the termites to survive the chipping process to create mulch is not good; additionally, once separated from the colony, their ability to survive further decreases. Even when termites are found in mulch, mulch-fed termites suffer significantly lower survivorship. This is not to say that termites are not found in association with mulch. Mulch does contribute to termite infestations, but not because termites are spread with mulch, but because mulch serves to maintain conducive conditions for the termites by keeping conditions moist and temperatures moderate. This increases their ability to survive where they are already established. Mulch laid too thickly (more than 4-6 inches) can also provide a path over the pesticide treated perimeter of a house, allowing termites to walk from the landscape to a building.
