Garden Column for the Salisbury Post Darrell Blackwelder March 8, 2006 I can’t think of an insect that strikes more fear and paranoia in the hearts of homeowners than termites. Termites cost homeowners billions of dollars each year with monitoring, sprays and often home repair. Now, adding fuel to the fire is a wave internet traffic related to an October 2005 press release on Louisiana State University's website regarding the potential spread of Formosan subterranean termites in mulch being produced from infested trees in hurricane affected areas in the state. The Formosan subterranean termite has been called the "Super Termite" because of its ability to consume wood and increase its colony size much quicker than our native termite species. The queen can live for 15 years and can produce about 2,000 eggs a day. Ironically, North Carolina has had two infestations that were quickly eliminated. The rash of e-mails implies that big box and home improvement garden centers are grabbing up this mulch bonanza and selling termite infested bags across the country. However, entomologists at N.C. State University have been monitoring the situation and consider mulch to be a possible, but unlikely source of Formosan termites. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is taking the situation seriously and has issued quarantines in counties infested with the termite. I receive regular inquiries about mulch attracting termites. What attracts termites is not really the mulch but excessive moisture. Too much mulch, needles, gravel, plastic, etc. often creates a perfect environment for termites. Green mulch or bark with cellulose or raw wood is a termite’s favorite meal. So, I generally do not recommend use raw wood mulch near a house. BOTTOM LINE: The first line of defense against termites is not to worry about your mulch; it's making sure that your house is not infested or susceptible to an infestation by virtue of having conditions conducive to termites. You can accomplish that goal through routine maintenance and by having your house inspected by a pest management professional. This is very important! As warm weather and spring rapidly approaches, I am going to continue to spread mulch and plant flowers around my house. I suggest that if you want to spread mulch and plant flowers, then go ahead and enjoy! Here are some useful links about termites and the Formosan termites: Basic information on termites http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/wood.htm Formosan termites Louisiana State University http://www.agctr.lsu.edu/termites/ Formosan termite program in North Carolina http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/termites/fstproject.htm Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com , e-mail Darrell_Blackwelder@ncsu.edu