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Will Formosan Termites Travel in Mulch? |
There has been a flurry of internet traffic related to an October 2005 press release on Louisiana State University's website regarding the potential spread of Formosan subterranean termites (FST) in mulch being produced from infested trees in hurricane effected areas of Louisiana.
This email erroneously implies that large retail home stores will purchase and re-sell bags of this mulch around the country - thereby spreading FST to currently infestation-free areas.
In fact, Louisiana's Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF) has established a quarantine that requires all woody debris in the quarantined (hurricane-effected) areas to be shipped to an approved landfill within the designated quarantine area. All contractors that are mulching and hauling the debris know the regulations and are abiding by them. LDAF has asked that anyone with knowledge debris moving out of a quarantine area to contact their 24-hour hotline.
None of this should imply that mulch and termites are not connected at all. Mulch can be a source of termite infestations in and around your home. The best defense for homeowners is to keep ALL mulch away from their home's foundation. Other tips to avoid attracting termites include:
- As most termites are drawn to moisture, avoid water accumulation near your home's foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.
- Quickly repair house damage from a leaky roof or window as termites can thrive in this moisture.
- Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard, especially near the home. Remove old tree stumps and roots around and beneath the home.
- Most importantly, eliminate any wood contact with the soil. Maintaining at least a 1-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the home is ideal.
Homeowners that are worried about termites or believe they have seen signs of termite infestations in and around their home should contact a pest professional. Infestation warning signs include:
- Swarming of winged forms in the fall and spring
- Evidence of mud tunneling in, over and under wood structures
- Wooden structures exhibiting darkening or blistering
- Damaged wood becoming extremely thin and easy to puncture with a knife or a screwdriver
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