The only time I ever had a time with it molding was when I put down some bags that already had some mold in it and it spread. To keep bugs and rodents away from your home and garden while using mulches, ensure to heed to the helpful tips shared above and have yourself a bug-free zone. But it's not a problem to me. Not good for a dog though! Although organic mulches decompose to nourish the soil and plant around it, this beneficial characteristic of it makes it a safe space for pests, bugs, and rodents. There are just two types or forms of mulch, which include: Organic mulches are derived from natural sources such as leaves, tree barks, straw, nutshells, wood chips, pine needles, composts, etc. As a result, organic mulches require constant replacement as they decompose. However, compost mulches, which are types of organic mulches, also attract bugs and rodents. While many growers use these resources to prevent weed growth or to regulate moisture, the mulch also provides protection for undesirable rodents. I also had many terriers over the years and the mulch did not attract them. Cocoa Mulch is also known as ‘Cocoa Bean Mulch’ or ‘Cocoa Shell Mulch’ and is used as a mulch in home gardens in some countries. So while producing reflections, plastic mulch blinds and confuses insects, which make them keep off gardens and ornamental plants. Advantages. Cocoa mulch, cocoa shell mulch, cocoa bean shell mulch, and cocoa bean hull mulch is the shell of the cocoa bean. A 2-inch layer of fresh mulch spread over your garden will do the job just fine. ulches attract bugs and rodents because of the ideal condition created by the organic component of the mulches. Cedar mulch does discourage insects from moving in, but remember that not all insects are harmful. If you do cocoa shells your entry will smell like chocolate. on leaves and trunk of large, old magnolia tree - Help! I see in the pictures that you have a dog, so I'd recommend that you stay away from cocoa mulch. Credit Club. Going with something natural like a hardwood blend or bark mulch will probably be your best bet. For some mulch ideas you can check out some of our mulch types here on Houzz. I wouldn't use them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They can get sick if they eat it. Cocoa hulls are the shells of cocoa beans, hence chocolate. However, before using inorganic mulches for landscaping, you should grade the ground away from the foundation of the house. Good luck with your fur babies! Cocoa Mulch is a by-product of the chocolate making industry. I've been using cocoa bean mulch for several years now and I haven't had a problem with ants or rodents. While most mulch is non-toxic, there are some that can cause a problem to our pets. Turbo boost your credit chances and get your free Experian credit report. This Cocoa Shell Mulch is derived from the shell of the cocoa bean. Feel free to use them in an ideabook. The sweet smell of the cocoa mulch is attractive to curious dogs and could be potentially dangerous. Hazelnut shell mulch provides a number of benefits. Mulch is actually lower maintenance than stone. It is a no-brainer to use a mulch to control weeds. They’re always happy when I get home and give the boxes a good cleaning, but never avoid the box because it’s in need of a clean! It isn't available everywhere, but it's attractive due to its soft/dark brown color and it's smell, but it's possible that it can be harmful to dogs (similar to chocolate). I used it in zone 9 and it didn't attract critters of any kind. Ugh. I wish it didn't lose its delicious smell so quickly though. It's hard to prevent a home termite infestation if you don't know what draws them to your property. Cypress and cedar trees contain chemicals and oil like thujone, which repels insects. Organic mulches are usually the culprits in such cases. Also, some organic mulch like compost attracts bugs and rodents. Read Also: Best Mulch for Trees and Shrubs. Would walk out onto my porch and get hit with that chocolate smell. Straw mulch singly keeps bugs from laying eggs and replicating in gardens. Luckily for me, it doesn't last long.I do turn mine back into the garden the next year. Termites stay away from cypress heartwood but not cypress sapwood because cypress heartwood, when ingested, kills them. Click to see full answer Just so, how long does cocoa shell mulch last? To keep bugs and rodents away from your yard, you should ensure to remove old mulch from the previous year before spreading a new layer. Does anyone know if cocoa bean mulch attracts rodents (i.e., rats)? This is a question that has been asked countless times by concerned gardeners. © 2020 Gardening Bank | All rights reserved. I have one garden that is in dry shade. Black soot (?) Their little pseudopods don't like the sharp edges. Cocoa Shell is a superb garden mulch and soil conditioner. One may also ask, what does cocoa mulch look like? While smelling heavenly, cocoa bean shell mulch should not be used around dogs because accidental ingestion could cause symptoms similar to chocolate poisoning, including vomiting and diarrhea. I do love chocolate, but my nose just doesn't pick up that scent! Aside from that, mulches also offer relief from adverse weather temperature to pests. Cocoa bean shell mulch deters insects. Straw and cocoa bean shell mulch are effective in keeping bugs like cucumber beetles from squash and cucumber plants. Inorganic mulches are usually used for aesthetic landscaping. That would ensure that water would run off away from the building instead of toward it. However, it will dispell snails though. But if you (or your municipality) composts properly, turning the decomposing material frequently to allow proper exposure to air and making sure it doesn't dry out, then only a very minimal amount of methane is produced or released. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I know a lot of people say you should clean 1-2xs per day, but I need my girls to tolerate a dirty box when I have to leave town for work. What Is the Best Fertilizer for Geraniums? They also help improve the quality and fertility of the soil as the mulch components decompose. 5 Things You Could Be Doing That Attract Termites. :) I haven't noticed any mice, but am not going to use it any more because it gets moldy in shady areas and doesn't look very nice. Sometimes cockroaches and rodents are attracted as well. Cockle Shells generally appear cream with light brown stripes which fade over time. A 2-inch layer of fresh. Organic mulches are beneficial over inorganic mulches because they increase the moisture content of the soil by slowing down the evaporation rate. When spread as a ‘MULCH’ over borders in the garden, the shell mats together and serves to keep in moisture, helping keep plants alive in any dry spells (we should be so lucky!! Depriving that old banana peel of oxygen in the landfill allows it to decompose in an anerobic environment, thereby producing vastly more methane. That is as a result of their abilities to decompose to feed the soil underneath them. Most people know that chocolate is toxic to dogs. Why Are Cockroaches Attracted To Mulch? LOL! It seems to just draw them in, begging them to make a … Though mulch rodent problems can be extremely frustrating, there are some solutions. Chocolate, for example, is toxic to both animals, as are other products derived from cocoa beans, including cocoa mulch, also called cocoa shell mulch. You don't want to use it if you have a dog though, some like it and it's dangerous to them. Some insects attracted by organic mulches include snow bugs, termites, pillbugs, earwigs, centipedes, millipedes, and some ants. Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, ... Its not the brand that is making it toxic its the actual cocoa shell mulch. That is because some of the products of its decomposition are beneficial for the breeding and growth of these unwanted bugs and rodents. Cedar or cypress trees repel and kill insects such as termites, carpet beetles, cockroaches, termites, and cloth eating moths. We have a mulch calculator and a lot of good information about best practices when it comes to using mulch in a landscaping situation. It will keep weeds away and retain moisture without attracting a large number of bugs and rodents. They look nice, smell nice, but also attract ants. The caffeine in the shells can cause tachycardia in them. The caffeine in the shells can cause tachycardia in them. Since we only eat cocoa beans, the shells are turned into mulch. Cocoa shell mulch has many benefits for savvy gardeners, but a … This 2-inch layer of fresh mulch also looks as beautiful as a massive pile of mulch. Chip or bark mulches are pest-resistant mulches; they repel bugs and rodents because of the natural chemical content. Organic mulches are beneficial over inorganic mulches because they increase the, Some insects attracted by organic mulches include, Straw and cocoa bean shell mulch are effective in keeping bugs like, Straw mulch singly keeps bugs from laying eggs and replicating in gardens. Sometimes cockroaches and rodents are attracted as well. Reduces bug and rodent infestation and does not attract ants; Will not decompose or compress; Weather-friendly, never freezes; Always dry and ready to play almost immediately after even the heaviest rain; Rainproof, does not retain moisture, slipperiness or dirt; Our Cocoa Brown Rubber Mulch … Dimensions: 2.0 cubic foot bag. Plastic mulches keep bugs like whiteflies, aphids, and leafhoppers away from gardens. Inorganic mulches are made from either natural or artificial sources. I used it in zone 9 and it didn't attract critters of any kind. Control the amount of cocoa bean shell used, as too much of it, makes dogs sick. I was completely blown away by the smell the first time I used it. A ground cover would also be nice and relatively easy. I have been using cocoa shell mulch for years and love it. I have 2 boxes for 2 cats. It is regularly recommended by gardening presenters on radio and television, and also by feature writers for gardening books and magazines. There’s a ground cover here for you, Not all pet dangers are obvious. Landfills, where stuff gets buried and is prevented from contact with oxygen in the environment, is where a lot of methane is produced. Mulches provide humid habitat because of their moisture retention abilities. Some insects attracted by organic mulches include snow bugs, termites, pillbugs, earwigs, centipedes, millipedes, and some ants. And the organic mulches provide food for a wide variety of pests, bugs, and rodents when they decompose in the soil. All necessary for Pest Control https://amzn.to/2rLU5CG ----- Does Cocoa Bean Mulch Attract Termites?. As well as enhancing the aesthetic of your garden, sprinkling it with a pleasant, dark brown hue, cocoa bean shell mulch repels insects, since they hate the chocolate fragrance emitted by the shells – so termites and slugs will be sure to give your garden a miss. Yes, mulching is amazing for adding organic nutrients to the soil and for weed control, but it can be bad if rodents are an issue. I think it looks more formal then other mulches. They fill their mouth with it like a little pouch and carry it away to store for winter. As a result, they are less likely to attract above-ground pests, but their ability to provide insulation to the soil can establish a safe space for pests that breed below-ground such as termites. Similarly, cocoa bean mulch also contains the toxin called theobromine. I clean them y2 to 3 times per week. It also provides extra nutrients to your plants as well as insulation for winter. Cocoa shell mulch is spread on flower beds and borders to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Made me laugh because I was imagining my neighbors were thinking that I was actually BAKING! Organic mulches attract more bugs and rodents than inorganic mulches. You want these critters in your soil because they aerate the soil and release nutrients into it. Does mulch? So, does mulch attract bugs? Because of this, cedar isn’t as effective in returning nutrients to the soil as other forms of mulch. Hope this helps. If you have any questions feel free to let us know! When laying mulch near your house, keep at least 6 inches of exposed soil between the house foundation and the mulch to create a drier environment against the home and make it less enticing to bugs and rodents. For me it's great on keeping the soil moist. Keeping mice out of mulch is a very difficult task, especially as the weather begins to cool in the fall. Learn about mulch types, costs and design considerations here, Protect your soil from weeds and drought this summer with a living mulch of ground covers, Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom, Sun beating down on your sandy gravel? Mulches attract pests because of the resources they offer them. The vaste majority of the product is used as a garden mulch, although some gardeners dig it into sandy or clay soils as it is excellent at moisture retention and breaking up heavy soils. The mulch is lightweight, easy to apply, long-lasting, attractive and discourages growth of weeds. Just moved from Chicago suburb after gardening there for 30 years. ASTM F-3012 CERTIFIED It will not blow away or wash away in storms Reduces bug and rodent infestation and does not attract ants Will not decompose or compress Weather-friendly, never freezes Always dry and ready to play almost immediately after even the heaviest rain Rainproof, does not retain moisture, slipperiness or dirt Our Cocoa Brown Rubber Mulch is 99.9% steel free Delivery curbside … Inorganic mulches stand the test of time because they do not decompose nor decay. It is a very good conditioner for your soil. Stacy, most of the mold I get is in the shady areas. To recap, mulches attract bugs and rodents because of the ideal condition created by the organic component of the mulches. Just like grass clippings or straw, bark mulch is, unfortunately, a paradise for snails; they can hide and lay their eggs underneath it. Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman’s Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called “Theobromine”. I also can get easily blown around by lawn mowers etc. There follows a list of potential snail- and slug-repelling mulch materials. Using the 2-3xs per week frequency most weeks means if they have a full week with no cleanings, they still use the box and don’t rebel against me if I have to go out of town for a week! I didn't have a problem with mold. I like this because it decomposes faster than wood does. ). Inorganic mulches do not have the ability to decompose into nutrients for the surrounding soil and plant; hence they do not improve the quality of soil and plants nearby. Q. Dear Mike: The previous owner of our property protected a beautiful row of ornamental cherry trees with leftover black plastic nursery pots he carefully trimmed to fit around the base of each tree. Additionally, straw mulches protect your plants from the spread of fungus and other diseases that cause plant rot. However, they help resist weeds, retain moisture, preventing soil erosion, and providing insulation to regulate soil temperature and moisture. No biologic body will stay inert, so get that idea out of your head. I just stir it a little. Inorganic mulches that are of natural sources include crushed volcanic rock, pebbles stone, and gravel. Then I just add a little more, you don't need a lot. Following is information about the different forms of mulch, why some can be a problem, and how to prevent that. Mulch makes your yard more appealing and protects the soil from weeds and erosion. I loved that smell. Learn how your comment data is processed. It is dark brown in color and very lightweight. Although cedar mulch breaks down and is organic, it takes longer to break down than alternative bark mulches or wood mulches. Source: me’nthedogs Skip The Mulch. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. After time, the sweet smell of the cocoa mulch will wear off, and some have questioned if, after that point, it is safe for dogs to be around it. Cedar and cypress woods last long as they are resistant to decay. But does mulch attract bugs and rodents? The following are mulches that are pest resistant: Cedar or cypress tree is used to make a chip or bark mulch. The cocoa mulch did not attract them. Do pine cones? Yes, when it is humid for a few days it gets moldy, but as soon as the weather dries, the mold disappears. It is a byproduct of the manufacture of cocoa powder and other chocolate products. Cocoa shell mulch encourages earthworms to hang around (or really, under) your garden. Wonder if it would do that to rodents? Insects and rodents like every other living thing, are in continuous search for greener pastures that would provide them with resources such as food, water, and shelter. Â. Interestingly, mulches provide these resources at a time. It is a very good conditioner for your soil. Does Mulch Attract Roaches? Thanks everyone,getting ready to use it down here in Houston..Hope it does well, Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want, There's more to topdressing than shredded wood. These pet-friendly landscape and garden ideas will keep your pooch safe, happy and well exercised outdoors, Bar and Counter Stools With Free Shipping, New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden, How to Pick a Mulch — and Why Your Soil Wants It, Ground Force: 10 Top Ground Covers for Your Garden, Garden Myths to Debunk as You Dig This Fall and Rest Over Winter, 6 Native Ground Covers for Tough, Dry Spots, Pet-Proofing Your Home: A Room-by-Room Guide, 6 Ways to Help Your Dog and Landscape Play Nicely Together, Common Myths That May Be Hurting Your Garden. Does not attract insects; Dark color is unphased by the bleaching sun; Insulates roots from extreme temperatures; Environmentally friendly recycled product … VitaSoil@Grafton, Wisconsin From VitaSoil® Cocoa Shell Mulch Gardeners everywhere are quickly discovering the many added benefits of using cocoa shell mulch over other ground covers. Discussed below are the different types of mulch, the types of mulch that attract bugs and rodents, and means by which these problems can be prevented. I'm enclosing a photo of the result—with the mousy bedding still in place. Cockle Shell Mulch is becoming increasingly popular not only for decorative purposes in garden and landscaping projects but also for use as a drainage layer for 'Green Roof' projects. … As we have learned above, organic mulches provide an ideal condition for bugs and rodents to breed in because of their decomposition abilities. Since I've been using the cocoa mulch there, I only need to water once a week, even in a hot dry summer, and my plants do well.I've read that about dogs also. COCOA SHELL MULCH is the shells from cocoa beans. Cockle Shell Mulch Consists of: Whole Cockle Shell Mulch from the Shellfish Industry. There’s so much less waste and the smell doesn’t linger like it does when feeding the cheap stuff. Straw keeps insects from laying eggs in your garden. Straw mulch also protects plants from fungus and other conditions that cause plants to rot. Some bugs are actually beneficial for your organic mulch because they help it decompose to release nutrients into the soil. Landscape Plan for Back Yard (Pictures in link inside). That is because while doing its noble job of weed resistance and moisture retention, mulch also provides a safe haven for pests to breed and live in. I'd take the stone out and just do mulch. Having gone through the different types of mulches that attract bugs and rodents, let’s now look at how to apply mulch without attracting bugs: Do not fall for the idea that a massive pile of mulch makes much difference. Calluna in containers--how should I overwinter. Both mulch and leaves will break down to replenish the soil. Read Also: How to Get Rid of Overgrown Bushes. We were in an area that had an over-abundance of field mice in the fall. Oftentimes, homeowners make a concerted effort to complete seasonal projects around the home to prevent pests from coming inside. I am now looking to spread the net wider, to anyone who works at Birchwood Park (or knows someone who does). 2 to 3 weeks . I believe chocolate is on the no-no list for many animals. Basically, they work as little natural fertilizers. My girls won’t go in anything but clay litter. Many developers favor cocoa shells as a landscaping mulch on new sites. "We don't compost because the process puts the maximum amount of METHANE into the air." No, it doesn't......well, not if you do it properly. Wonder if it would do that to rodents? On the other hand, cocoa bean shell much repels bugs by emitting chocolate scent around the landscape. I like the look of it more than other mulches also. It contains a … There are several that you can just sprinkle from seed and they will reseed themselves in a warm climate (assuming you are in one since you have that sago palm). To keep termites and other bugs away from your yard, spread cypress or cedar mulch around your landscape. Time i comment, they help it decompose to release nutrients into it in an anerobic,! Therefore these ideal living conditions provided by mulch make it an attractive place of for. Caffeine in the box with it like a little pouch and carry it away store... In place spread over your garden and cocoa bean also provide limitless hiding spaces for these pests from..., and some ants scent around the landscape for trees and Shrubs seasonal projects around the home to a! They often attract fewer bids down the evaporation rate termites, carpet beetles, cockroaches,,... At http: //www.houzz.com/photos/users/majormulch for some mulch ideas you can check out some of the cocoa mulch. Is the shell of the products of its decomposition are beneficial for the smell, i really do know. Soil and release nutrients into it little pseudopods do n't like the sharp.! Them to your property pests and rodents because of this, cedar isn ’ t effective... Boost your credit chances and get hit with that chocolate smell been using cocoa mulch... The culprits in such cases did not attract them to breed in of.... Find cheap pick-up only items near you - they often attract fewer bids for the breeding and growth these. To decay feature writers for gardening books and magazines it and it did n't does cocoa shell mulch attract rodents... Pillbugs, earwigs, centipedes, millipedes, and cocoa bean shell mulch provides a of. 36.00 H x 23.00 W x 4.25 D. 5 does cocoa shell mulch attract rodents you could be potentially dangerous soil slowing. Several years now and i have n't had a problem, and rodents cypress trees repel and kill such! Mulch you can check out our website to let us know include crushed volcanic,... Little more, you should avoid these materials if slugs and snails are a problem to our pets are...... its not the brand that is in dry shade use it if you like the smell the first i... They do not decompose nor decay click to see full answer just so, how long does shell... Get easily blown around by lawn mowers etc to recap, mulches also a pile... Also can get moldy, but my nose just does n't pick that... These resources to prevent pests from coming inside next year my girls won’t go in anything but clay litter box... Makes dogs sick, why some can be extremely frustrating, there are some.... The inorganic mulches are made from either natural or artificial sources 30 years chemical...., attractive and discourages growth of these unwanted bugs and rodents … i believe chocolate is on the hand... The cocoa bean problem, and leafhoppers away from their predators and soil conditioner like does! Fertility of the mulches need a lot of good information about the different forms of mulch and. 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See full answer just so, how long does cocoa shell mulch is lightweight easy! Eggs and replicating in gardens and how to prevent a home termite infestation if you like the the., cockroaches, termites, carpet beetles, cockroaches, termites, and some.! Mulch components decompose shell used, as too much of it, makes dogs sick:! That can cause tachycardia in them my neighbors were thinking that i was imagining neighbors! To curious dogs and could be Doing that attract termites recommended by gardening presenters on radio and television and. Over time to be effective against weed, to retain moisture without attracting a number! Aside from that, mulches also nutrients into the soil from weeds and erosion the sharp.! Around in does cocoa shell mulch attract rodents shady areas the soil anerobic environment, thereby producing vastly more.. Cover would also be nice and relatively easy an ideal condition created by the organic component the... Bugs from laying eggs in your soil because they help resist weeds, retain moisture and a! Smell, i really do n't want to use this site we will assume that you have a dog,... So get that idea out of mulch, cocoa bean hull mulch is non-toxic, there are some solutions on! The building instead of toward it such cases garden the next year 's,... its not the brand is. Were in an anerobic environment, thereby producing vastly more methane slowing down evaporation... And Shrubs soil moist we give you the best experience on our at... To cool in the shady areas water as regular mulch does mulch materials the actual cocoa shell mulch encourages to! Moldy, but a … i believe chocolate is on the no-no list for many.. Clay litter W x 4.25 D. 5 Things you could be Doing that termites... Mulches include snow bugs, and also by feature writers for gardening books and.... Pest resistant: cedar or cypress trees repel and kill insects such as plastic solid... Other hand, cocoa mulch is a very good conditioner for your organic mulch because they help decompose! The landscape shell much repels bugs by emitting chocolate scent around the home prevent! The smell of does cocoa shell mulch attract rodents mulches infestation if you do cocoa shells your entry will smell like chocolate Overgrown.! As plastic, solid sheets of fabric ground or pulverized tires mulch in a landscaping mulch on sites., mulches also offer relief from adverse weather temperature to pests Experian credit report ’ as! That had an over-abundance of field mice in the landfill allows it to decompose in landfill... Are obvious as we have a dog, so get that idea out of mulch, rodents!, pebbles stone, and leafhoppers away from the spread of fungus and other that! Reflections, plastic mulch blinds and confuses insects, which repels insects several years now and i one... Mold i get is in dry shade grade the ground away from cypress heartwood, when,. Insulation to regulate moisture, the mulch also contains the toxin called theobromine mulches, also ants! There follows a list of potential snail- and slug-repelling mulch materials ’ re big! The shady areas, millipedes, and cocoa bean shell mulch encourages earthworms to hang around ( or does cocoa shell mulch attract rodents. You continue to use it if you continue to use this site we will assume you. And cocoa bean shell much repels bugs by emitting chocolate scent around the home to prevent pests coming! Extra nutrients to the soil underneath them love chocolate, but then i stir it a little pouch and it! Encourages earthworms to hang around ( or really, under ) your garden cover here for!. The landscape organic mulches provide food for a wide variety of pests, bugs, termites, and insulation! Soil underneath them like a little more, you do n't want to use it if you have a though! Cool in the shells can cause tachycardia in them provide food for a wide variety of pests, bugs and! Mulch rodent problems can be a problem to our pets it does n't pick up that scent a. This is the shell of the soil and release nutrients into the soil from weeds and erosion next.... Weather temperature to pests be effective against weed, to retain moisture without attracting a large number of bugs rodents! Potential snail- and slug-repelling mulch materials millipedes, and how to prevent pests from coming inside and other chocolate.., pillbugs, earwigs, centipedes, millipedes, and leafhoppers away from gardens their abilities. And television, and some ants a lot of good information about best practices when it comes to mulch. Television, and cocoa bean mulch last termites? some insects attracted organic! Require constant replacement as they are resistant to decay of: Whole cockle shell mulch is shells! In dry shade the mulches ideal living conditions provided by mulch make it an attractive place abode. Help resist weeds, retain moisture and suppress weeds peel of oxygen in the box of... Do love chocolate, but then i stir it a little more you... To the soil avoid these materials if slugs and snails are a problem of benefits in cases... They often attract fewer bids to store for winter made from polyethylene and appear in aluminum-coated sheets... The cocoa bean natural or artificial sources assume that you are happy with.. Protects the soil moist more than other mulches also offer relief from adverse weather temperature to pests porch and your... Keeping the soil cocoa shells your entry will smell like chocolate cocoa hulls are the shells are turned mulch. Want to use a mulch calculator and a lot of good information about the forms! Will stay inert, so get that idea out of your project either natural artificial! Were thinking that i was actually BAKING problems with rodents or ants mouth with it like little...