3 Types Of Mulch That Can Repel Bugs

Mulch is great for improving the landscape of your property by suppressing weeds and reducing soil erosion. It can also help keep your plants healthy by adding nutrients to the soil and improving moisture retention, which keeps roots healthy. However, certain types of mulch have another benefit that most homeowners will appreciate; they can repel bugs. This can be great news for those who work hard to create a beautiful garden only to find their plants repeatedly get destroyed by invasive pests. Read on to learn about three types of landscape mulch that can repel bugs.

Cedar Bark Or Chip Mulch

Bark and chip mulch from cedar trees do a great job at repelling termites, aphids, certain ants, cockroaches and cloth-eating moths. Cedar trees release natural oils that these bugs just don't like, and using cedar bark or chips as mulch can be cost-effective too, as cedar wood is resistant to decay, so it tends to last longer than other types of wood mulches. Additionally, when you spread this mulch in flowerbeds and vegetable patches it will keep weeds down and help regulate soil temperature.

Plastic Mulch

Plastic mulch comes in a roll, and you simply unroll it over the area you wish to target. You are likely familiar with black landscaping fabric mulch, but when it comes to repelling bugs, you should opt for clear or aluminium-coated plastic mulch sheets. These sheets reflect light, which confuses certain bugs and deters them from landing or making a home in your garden. Plastic mulch can be used to repel whiteflies, snails and aphids. Additionally, when you lay this type of mulch down in your garden, you can protect delicate roots of young plants from cold temperatures and prevent your soil from becoming waterlogged.

Straw Mulch

Straw mulch is an inexpensive mulch option that can keep slugs and cucumber beetles away from your plants. They dislike the texture of this mulch, so they will also avoid laying eggs in areas where straw mulch is present. Additionally, straw mulch will prevent your soil from drying out and protect roots and young shoots from heat damage.

Mulching your garden can have a number of benefits, but it's important to choose the right type of mulch for your garden and for the problems you are tackling or trying to avoid. Your local landscaping supply store can recommend a suitable mulch that will benefit your soil and plants while creating an unwelcoming environment for common garden pests.