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Termites Tips and Tricks

Overcoming foundation inspections hindered by mulch

Dr. Nicky Gallagher with Syngenta Professional Pest Management reveals how to prevent mulch from hindering termite inspections.

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Dr. Nicky Gallagher, Technical Services Manager, Syngenta Professional Pest Management
Dr. Nicky Gallagher, Technical Services Manager, Syngenta Professional Pest Management

Mulch that is 4 inches or more is too thick, and creates conditions conducive to termites. It offers a bridge into a structure that allows termites to bypass a soil termiticide treatment, and also obscures the foundation during inspections.

An inspection gap between mulch and siding should be 6 inches or wider, so inspectors can determine whether mud tubes have been built. Ideally, a 6- to 12-inch mulch-free zone should exist around the foundation. A dual rake/hoe hand tool can help pull away thick layers of mulch during the inspection process.