My dad told me the same thing - several friends sent it to me, b/c they know i love plants and gardening - i sent to Dad, computer guru - and he confirmed that after several searches online, he does not think we have anything to worry about.

That being said - i still will not go to NO & bring back mulch! :)

The SNA sent out a mass email Tuesday and this was one of the links regarding this hoax.

http://www.ldaf.state.la.us/aboutldaf/presscenter/pressreleases/pressrelease.asp?id=542

"DonÂt believe everything you read on the Internet.

That is the message Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Bob Odom is stressing to the public as an email rumor about Formosan termite-infested mulch is circling the globe.

The email warns consumers not to purchase "cheap" wood mulch at major home improvement chains because it may be infested with Formosan termites.

"The email is not accurate and doesnÂt even mention the quarantines this department put in place last fall to keep Formosan termites from spreading," Odom said. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry issued quarantines following the hurricanes for woody debris in Cameron, Calcasieu, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes. Woody debris cannot be moved out of these areas without first submitting a plan for treatment to the department.

"IÂve had my people out looking into these claims to make sure there are no violations of the quarantine. IÂve also had our invasive pest expert contact the stores mentioned in the email and weÂve yet to find any validity to the claims in the email," Odom said.

"In my opinion, someone is using the Internet to cause hysteria about a problem that doesnÂt really exist. If there are people out there who know about someone violating the quarantines, then they need to report it to us. WeÂll shut the culprits down real quick but it has to be reported," Odom said. "I think the quarantines are doing the job, though. WeÂve worked with the debris contractors, the Corps of Engineers and FEMA to handle the debris and quarantines."

An official with the LSU AgCenterÂs Cooperative Extension Service said their offices have been receiving calls non-stop about information contained in the emails.

"Our termite specialists are getting inundated with calls and e-mails," said Dr. Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. "We have posted new information on our Web site. We hope people will continue to use this as a resource for accurate information."

To report a quarantine violation, call (225) 925-3763. The Department of Agriculture and ForestryÂs Web site, www.ldaf.state.la.us, and the LSU AgCenterÂs Web site, www.lsuagcenter.com, contain information about the quarantines, Formosan termites and debris disposal."