Bark grounding for children to play

[KarenAndy]

I would like my children to play in an adapted area in the back garden and want to cover it with bark but I don't know if slaters or other insects would be attracted to it.

[Clanad]

We've used about 4 to 5 inches of bark around children's play set... works very well.  Sure beats sand since that is what all the cats use for a bathroom.  BTW, we used treated 4 X 4's to contain the bark.  Drove about 2 feet of rebar thru it to retain it to the earth... 1 about every 4 feet or so... We haven't had any problems with bugs, but we do use a colored bark, which may supress any bugs attention.  This isn't the nuggets of pine bark, but rather shaved material...  Best of luck!

[gen2]

So what if it does attract slaters?  Slaters (woodlice to you Sassanachs) are harmless.  If the bark is in constant sunshine and keeps dry, then it is unlikely to attract slaters.  Slaters are attracted to the mould that grows on damp and decaying plant material (eg bark).

[redseamonkey]

Thanks for that gen I was wondering what slaters were. lol!

[rampart]

Some places sell bark made from cedar. Bugs don't like it very much. You can also put out diatomaceous earth on the bark. It is an organic substance that repels bugs.

http://www.d-earth.co.uk/

[dmsjps]

I was wondering what slaters were too, but now I do! I hate the horrid little things too. However, I don't know what a Sassanach is. gen2, sorry to be thick, but please enlighten me.