Which materials should be avoided in landscaping to help deter termites?

Choosing landscaping materials carefully is essential for preventing termite infestations. Wood mulch or untreated wood should be avoided because these materials can serve as a food source for termites. Termites are attracted to cellulose, which is abundant in wood products. When wood mulch is placed near the foundation of a home or in landscaping areas, it provides an attractive habitat and ample nutrition for termites, increasing the likelihood of infestation.

On the other hand, stone aggregates, plastic mulch sheets, and grass sod do not offer the same appeal to termites. Stone aggregates, being inorganic, do not provide any nutrients to termites. Plastic mulch sheets also act as a barrier, preventing moisture retention in the mulch underneath, which generally makes the environment less conducive to termites. Grass sod, while it can attract various pests, does not provide the cellulose that termites seek. Therefore, avoiding wood mulch or untreated wood is a crucial step in managing termite risk in landscaping.