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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend March 13, 2006 Since You Asked Mulch doesn’t host termites I wanted to pass on information I got in an e-mail warning about the possibility of Formosan termites being spread in mulch made from trees blown down in Hurricane Katrina. Most of the trees blown down likely were infested with the termites, which have gained a hold in parts of Louisiana. Cheap mulch at home improvement chains could spread the problem around the country. "These termites can eat a house in no time at all and we have no good control against them, so tell your friends that own homes to avoid cheap mulch and know were it came from," the e- mail said. — Bud L., Eagle Point Thanks for the warning, Bud. Introduced species, like the Formosan termite, can pose a problem, but this warning looks like a hoax. Advertisement Rick Topjian, store manager at the Medford Grange Co-op, said trade publications haven’t reported any infestations and infested mulch won’t be a problem locally. He said the Grange and other local suppliers have safe, regional mulch sources. Indeed, the Mulch & Soil Council, a Virginia-based trade group, said mulch they certify can’t contain wood salvaged after the hurricanes. Most mulch sold at national chains is certified, making such stores safe places to buy mulch. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry quarantined 12 infested parishes so no post-hurricane wood can be removed from the area where termites live. Snopes.com, a Web site that tracks the truth of rumors and urban legends, links this warning to the quarantine, but labels the e-mail false. The site adds that entomologists say adult termites likely wouldn’t survive mulch shredding and packaging. Send questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by e-mail to Since You Asked ">[email protected] . We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Absinthe Supply Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Debt Consolidation California Casinos Generic Viagra Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Hammocks Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada King of Spirits Advertisement s Advertisement