A seemingly innocent garden staple is being flagged as a major culprit in a surge of devastating termite infestations across Australia, with one expert warning it could cost homeowners tens of thousands in repairs.
Nathan Rich, a seasoned pest controller, recently made a chilling discovery during a routine inspection near Lake Macquarie.
Lightly sifting through mulch outside a property, he uncovered a thriving colony of pale white insects – termites.
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While mulch is widely used for its aesthetic appeal and plant benefits, Rich told Yahoo News it’s also a “breeding ground” for voracious pests.
“I’ve seen more of an uptake in the last probably six to eight weeks … Whether it’s just because of extended humidity levels or the case, I’m not sure,” he said, adding, “It’s a problem within the coastline and the high pressure areas.”
Can you see what we see? Termites! Source: Nathan Rich
Unlike the tell-tale signs of termite damage inside a home where timber is visibly consumed, infestations within mulch offer “no sort of telltale signs,” making them a silent threat.
While a lucky few might spot the tiny invaders, Rich cautions against leaving your home’s future to chance.
The slow demise of a garden due to termites pales in comparison to the catastrophic damage when these hungry pests breach your home’s foundations.
Protecting your biggest asset begins with ensuring termites never gain entry in the first place, Rich advises.
A crucial first step involves scheduling an annual or biannual pest inspection.
While a regular inspection might set you back around $250, it’s a small investment that can potentially save tens of thousands in future repairs.
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Pest controller Nathan Rich is advising people to use rocks over mulch in their gardens.
Rich recounted one particularly dire case where a client faced over $100,000 in damages. Termites cause an estimated $1.5 billion in damage to Australian homes each year, and crucially, standard home insurance typically doesn’t cover it, classifying it as preventable.
“You work out the average lifespan of a (prevention) system, say, estimation of around, four to five years … it’s generally cheaper than your internet,” Rich said.
Beyond regular checks, Rich’s second, and perhaps most impactful, suggestion is to avoid using mulch around your home altogether.
“When you have mulch around the building or close by, it can be a food source for termites,” he explained. Just one mulch drop-off can cause a major problem, he added.
Termites can cause serious damage to a home’s structure. Source: Nathan Rich
He strongly recommends opting for stone or gravel as safer alternatives.
However, if you are committed to using mulch, extreme vigilance is required, especially in areas that frequently get damp from watering plants.
The combination of moisture and carbon dioxide produced in these conditions acts as a powerful attractant for termites.
However, regular pest treatment can prevent termite infestations. Source: Nathan Rich
For those considering DIY solutions, Rich’s message is unequivocal: “no.”
He’s heard comments like, ‘oh, you know, my pest controller doesn’t spray for termites. He just tells me to turn the mulch over every now and then’.”
His response?
“My first thought is, find yourself a new pest controller. You cannot stop termites with home remedies.”
English (US) · 