On termites and mulch?
If there is a large infestation of termites in your mulch they're likely interested in something beneath it or within the confines of your dwelling. Now this depends n what ones calls mulch or who you talk to but I'll take university research over myth or misconception. I've been "playing in mulch" for 30 years. You can heap a pile of processed hardwood and leave it sit for a couple of years, when you stir into it you might find snakes, dead animals, or winged ants/insects of any crazy sort but if you find termites their food source is somewhat nearby. It's not the mulch.
Mulch can be a gateway to the home but there has to be something inside more desirable, processed mulch itself won't sustain them. If it were suitable termite food we wouldn't buy any of it. They're pretty obvious. It is suitable habitat if there's a food source handy (within 100 feet give or take).
New builds have the options of wood treated to better prevent termites but those of us in older dwellings are almost always at risk, mulch or no mulch. Dampness in a basement or crawlspace or a leak in the roof will cause decay and draw termites. I don't know actual population statistics for termites but it should be safe to assume we're outnumbered. Prevention is key, most sources I've read over the years suggest keeping mulch from contacting house siding and that's almost a no-brainer. Doesn't so much matter if the siding is vinyl or aluminum either, it what's behind it. I've seen recommendations that mulch be kept from the foundation of the house and with the right plantings that's easy to accomplish while still enjoying the benefits and aesthetic appeal mulches can provide.
I bought my house a number of years ago, it's still a fixer-upper. It had clearly been treated for termites (the drill holes in the concrete were the giveaway). 2-3 years in I noticed interior activity and I called the biggest, most well-known outfit there is. I had extensive damage that ended up costing well above the costly treatment. No mulch, except for my one little daylily bed against the house which had been mulched for the first time weeks prior. Oh, I had mulched the flowers but not the bed as I was still fighting farm grade weeds where I'd planted my precious bloomers. Sales rep was quick to condemn my mulch as a "culprit". Same company that has a new ad campaign using music from a song titled "Hell's Bells" to sell the scare. Several years later I still receive "special offers" 3 to 5 times a month to keep that money rolling in. I hired a local guy, licensed with 15 years in it to "maintain my bugs" for a reasonable fee. No phone calls, no junk mail, no scare tactics. I have peace of mind and happily mulch at will.
I've rambled enough for now. I will make an ATP blog post about mulch and years of experiences with different types. Pros and cons etc. Different types, when buildup needs removal. But in regard to the stuff Frank posted about to begin with? It's basic hardwood mulch with a "supposedly/reportedly" plant safe stain/dye. I've used it, had no ill side effects and it does break down better than some other "mulches". Not a better price on a similar product out there. Not my choice for an entire property but I'm in a business where people feel ripped off when the sun does what the sun does best. When that top layer of hardwood is bleaching out, the good stuff underneath is usually getting better. I like to amend with topsoil and peat as well, another topic for the blog post.
