Formosan Termites in Landscape Mulch Not a Threat to Pennsylvania

There is an email circulating on the Internet and list servers about Formosan termites in landscape mulch produced from demolition waste wood in the Katrina-affected area of Louisiana. The email warns of using bagged mulch containing the voracious Formosan termites.

As with most urban legends, the email is a bit of truth stretched into an apocalyptic, but bogus, story.

Formosan termites are a problem in Louisiana. They are a tropical termite that came into the port of New Orleans on crates or other shipping materials. But, they are not a problem in Pennsylvania for several reasons.

First, Louisiana has imposed a quarantine on Katrina-affected counties in which the Formosan termite resides. All demolition wood from these areas must be disposed of in local landfills.

Second, the Formosan termite is from a tropical climate and could not survive Pennsylvania winters.

Third, the mulch composting process would kill termites because of the heat generated.

Fourth, landscape mulch tends to be a locally-produced product that is costly to ship. Because Pennsylvania's very active hardwood industry produces mulch as a by-product of its normal operations, landscape mulch in Pennsylvania tends to be abundant, high-quality and low-cost. It simply would not be cost-effective to import mulch from a place as distant as Louisiana.

But if you are still concerned about Formosan termites, buy your mulch, either bagged or bulk, from reputable local producers. There are many in Pennsylvania. Use this Web site to find a local mulch producer or a garden center that carries locally-produced Pennsylvania mulch.