Mildly, yes — red cedar's aromatic oils do deter some insects, but treat that as a bonus, not pest control. The scent that makes cedar chests famous is the same one at work in the mulch, and it fades as the mulch weathers outdoors.
Cedar's stronger arguments are elsewhere: it is natural and undyed, it holds up 12+ months — among the longest-lasting mulches we deliver — and it smells terrific for the first stretch of the season. If insects are an active problem, deal with the source; if you want a long-wearing natural mulch that discourages some crawlers along the way, cedar is the pick. Spread it like any bark mulch: 2 inches on existing beds, 3 on new ones.
Order Red Cedar Mulch by the yard — up to 10 yards per truckload.
