Cedar chips consist of shredded or chipped wood, frequently sourced from species like Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) or Western Red Cedar. This material is appreciated for its distinctive, pleasant aroma and is utilized across many applications. The natural composition of the wood lends itself to various household and horticultural functions, making the chips a popular choice for consumers seeking natural solutions.
Utilizing Cedar’s Natural Pest Repellents
The efficacy of cedar chips as a pest deterrent stems from the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) naturally present in the wood. These compounds, which include sesquiterpenes like alpha-cedrene and cedrol, give cedar its characteristic scent. When released into the air, these aromatic oils interfere with the sensory systems of certain insects, acting as both a repellent and a feeding depressant.
Cedarwood oil is used in commercial pest control products and is effective against household pests. The vapor from Virginia cedarwood oil has demonstrated toxicity to the larvae of webbing clothes moths, resulting in high mortality rates. Studies have also shown that cedrol can cause mortality in black-legged tick nymphs.
Practical applications often involve placing cedar chips or blocks in enclosed spaces. Lining closets or placing chips in storage containers provides a non-chemical method for moth-proofing woolens and other sensitive fabrics. The strong scent is usually enough to disrupt insect breeding cycles and deter them from settling in a treated area. This pest-repelling quality is why cedar has historically been used in chests and wardrobes designed for long-term storage.
Cedar Chips in Landscaping and Gardens
Beyond pest control, cedar chips function as an organic mulch in landscaping and gardening settings. The chips provide a robust layer of ground cover that offers several physical benefits to the underlying soil. This mulching layer helps stabilize soil temperature, acting as insulation to keep roots cooler during hot weather and protecting them from extreme cold.
The physical barrier created by the chips is also effective at suppressing weed growth by blocking sunlight. Furthermore, the mulch helps the soil retain moisture by significantly reducing the rate of water evaporation, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Cedar chips are known for their relatively slow decomposition rate compared to other organic mulches, which translates to longevity in the garden. Because they break down slowly, they do not need to be replaced as often. Gardeners should note that as cedar breaks down, it can gradually cause changes in soil acidity, potentially lowering the pH.
This slight acidification means cedar mulch is well-suited for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries, but it may not be ideal for plants that prefer neutral or alkaline conditions. Fresh wood chips can also temporarily draw nitrogen from the immediate soil surface during the initial stages of decomposition, which could affect shallow-rooted plants. Regular soil testing is recommended to maintain the appropriate balance.
Considerations for Using Cedar with Pets
Cedar chips are sometimes used in outdoor pet environments, such as dog runs or large, well-ventilated kennels, because of their odor-controlling properties. The natural aromatic oils help mask animal smells for larger pets. However, using cedar chips or shavings as bedding for small, enclosed animals requires caution due to significant health concerns.
The aromatic hydrocarbons and phenols that give cedar its scent can be harmful to sensitive species, particularly rodents and birds. When used in small cages, the concentrated volatile compounds are absorbed through the animal’s respiratory tract. This exposure has been linked to respiratory irritation, inflammation, and allergic responses.
Studies on laboratory animals housed on cedar bedding have shown changes in liver enzymes. These elevated hepatic microsomal enzymes indicate the body is working harder to metabolize and eliminate absorbed toxins. This change in liver function can potentially affect the metabolism of necessary medications, including anesthetics.
It is recommended to avoid using cedar shavings entirely for pets that spend the majority of their time in a confined enclosure, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, and rabbits. Safer alternatives are readily available, including aspen shavings, paper-based bedding, or kiln-dried pine that has been heat-treated to reduce volatile compounds.