 |
|
|
|||||
|
|
March 9, 2006 Termite-infested Mulch Stories Are False By Janet Knodel,
Entomologist, NDSU Extension Service and An e-mail message regarding mulch infested with a damaging exotic termite (known as the Formosan termite) has been circulating through several Internet sources. The e-mail suggests that mulch produced from scrap wood and trees following the recent Gulf region hurricanes are infested with the termite. The e-mail also implies that this infested material is being freely distributed to retailers throughout the U.S. without regulation. This scenario is inaccurate! Quarantines were imposed immediately following the hurricanes by state regulatory agencies in the Gulf region. These quarantines prevent the shipment of mulch and other wood material from the quarantined zone unless they have been fumigated for Formosan termites and certified as safe by regulatory officials. This e-mail has been widely circulated, creating a false concern in many areas of the U.S. where no real threat exists, including North Dakota. A release by the Louisiana
agriculture commissioner reflects these sentiments and can be found at
www.ldaf.state.la.us/aboutldaf/presscenter/ The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, is one of the world’s most aggressive and economically damaging species of termite. It has been reported in 11 southern states in the United States: California, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and Hawaii. Its distribution is restricted to the southern states because its eggs will not hatch below 68 degrees. The Formosan termite is rarely found north of 35 degrees north latitude. So, it will not survive in North Dakota! ! In addition, termites would most likely not survive the mulch shredding process or the high temperatures (160 to 180 degrees) of mulch in shrink-wrapped plastic bags. Rest assured that any mulch purchased from retailers is safe and not infested by the Formosan termite or any other pest. For more information, go to www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/termites.asp. ### Source: Janet
Knodel, (701) 231-7581, janet.knodel@ndsu.edu |
Market Advisor: |
|
North Dakota State University |
