An alleged email warning about Formosa termite infested mulch being shipped into Texas from Louisiana has been spreading faster than a possible invasion. For those who have not yet received the following reports, here is some reassurance in the midst of termite terrorism.

First up, some web watchdog info here

Then from Doug Richards, TMGA
”For those individuals who are interested in my opinion, I do not plan to distribute information to Master Gardener regarding this termite email for the following reasons…”
concluding with the wise advice of, “This is only my opinion, each of you can form your on opinion. I do agree termites are a problem , however, I do not think the email is factual. Do research and ask questions before you buy any product.”

Then came this:

Michael Merchant, Extension Entomologist:

I have conducted a little research today on the subject of this email in response to some media requests, and thought you all might be interested. I spoke with Louisiana termite researcher Dr. Gregg Henderson, Louisiana State University, and he informed me that there is indeed a quarantine on all wood waste from hurricane devastated areas of southern Louisiana. The quarantine specifically addresses the concern about Formosan termite-infested wood products being shipped to new areas. The state is currently debating how or whether large quantities of wood material can be treated prior to shipping to overflow landfills in Mississippi that do not currently have Formosans. However, the bottom line is that Louisiana neither encourages nor condones the sale of wood waste in mulch from the hurricane damaged areas.

If anyone is chipping, bagging and selling mulch from southern LA it is being done under the radar and illegally. The same would be true for Texas where there are also large quantities of wood from Hurricane Rita-affected areas that also have Formosan termites.

Part of the email message circulating around the Internet is accurate—at least the part about Formosan termites being found in damaged trees and the POTENTIAL for Formosans to be transported in wood mulch. However, the mulching process is highly destructive to termites and the likelihood is low of transporting a viable mini-colony of Formosans in this manner. Having said that, Formosan termites have been known to be shipped in this manner at least once.

The essence of this email is a hoax, in my opinion. I believe it very unlikely that the large retailers mentioned would be buying and distributing termites from illegal sources. A far greater, and better documented risk is the sale and distribution of recycled railroad ties.

Railroad ties are commonly sold throughout the south for use as landscape timbers. Unfortunately, despite their creosote treatment, Formosan termites can easily inhabit the center (untreated) areas of railroad ties. Texas recently enacted a quarantine for this type of wood coming from Formosan-infested areas; however we are still in the process of developing enforcement protocols and I am unaware of whether inspections and stop-sale orders have yet to be enacted.

Despite the fact that I consider risks of Formosan termite infestations in mulches to be low, I am recommending that consumers be alert to the presence of termites in bagged or bulk mulches. A quick dousing of a garden insecticide labeled for control of ant mounds or other soil insects will control any termites you observe in newly spread mulch. If you open a bag and find it infested with termites you might consider resealing the bag and placing it in a larger black plastic garbage bag and exposing it to the hot sun for several days. Raising mulch temperatures to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour or more is generally sufficient to kill all insect life.

Another way to ensure that you don’t introduce unwanted termites into your landscape is to purchase garden mulch from a reliable, local source. Many municipalities now produce and sell mulches produced from city yard trimmings and landscape waste. This should be a safe source for mulch and is a great way to “close the circle” and encourage recycling of a valuable resource that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

For more information about Formosan termites, their Texas range and potential for destruction, see the website at this link
..........................
Michael Merchant, PhD, BCE
Urban Entomologist
Texas Cooperative Extension
Dallas, Texas

And about that recommendation of using a fire ant insecticide, ,, organic gardeners who cultivate a healhty population of beneficial nematodes in their soil already have that covered, without resorting to chemical poisons.