Will Mulch Attract Ants?

Using mulch around your home can help reduce the number of destructive insects. However, there are certain types of mulch that can attract certain insects.

The color of your mulch can affect how many insects you attract. For example, a black mulch may attract more insects than a silver reflective mulch. The University of Florida performed a study to determine which type of mulch was most effective at repelling bugs.

When using organic mulch, you should make sure the mulch is not pushed up against your house. The best type of mulch for this purpose is a thin layer that is not more than three inches deep.

Another option is to use rock or pea gravel instead of mulch. This will keep moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.

If you do decide to use mulch, you should make sure it is a non-toxic material. You should also wear protective gloves when using the material. If you are not sure about the type of mulch you should use, contact a pest control professional.

When using mulch around your home, be sure to remove all rubbish before spreading it. This is so you are not spreading pesticides around your property. You should also be sure to lay the mulch at least six inches away from the house.

If you have an ant infestation, you can kill them with a food-grade diatomaceous earth. This is a non-toxic, organic material that kills ants by drying from the inside. However, you should wear protective gloves and respiratory masks when using this material.