Natural Pest Control With Cedar Mulch
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Cedar mulch can be a natural pest control product for many of the same reasons that cedar is considered good outdoor fencing and furniture wood. The oil in cedar, which produces its distinct aroma, is a natural insect repellent.
When using the common form of cedar mulch with some wood chips mixed in, it is important to recognize its pest management potential and limits.
Although cedar oil is a natural insect repellent, unless your mulch is aromatic, not typical of mulch, especially after it has been on the ground for some time, don't expect a big benefit from its repellent properties.
Having said that, recent research suggests that used propperly, cedar mulch does possess some termite and Argentine ant deterrent properties.
How well it guards against them is a different question. According to the termite research report,
"Termites starved and mortality reached 100% by the 11-12th week on decorative stone, rubber mulch, cocoa shell mulch, and coffee chaff.
The onset of morbidity was slightly slower but mortality also reached 100% by the 13th week on peat moss, by the 14th week on pine bark nuggets, and by the 16th week on extra fine bark mulch.
Mortality exceeded 80% but did not reach 100% on several dyed wood chip mulches and cedar mulch."
Applying cedar mulch can be as easy as weeding and leveling the dirt in the desired area, and covering it with the mulch. While the bag may recommend applications up to four inches deep, generally you want a smaller (2"-3") layer of mulch to insure proper aeration and water irrigation of the soil below.
Those interested in implementing a stronger weed prevention mulching strategy, might consider placing a sheet of landscape fabric on top of the weeded area area prior to applying the mulch.
© 2006-2010. Patricia A. Michaels