The presence of termites in a tree, whether alive or dead, signals a significant threat that extends beyond the tree itself. These wood-destroying insects feed on the cellulose found in timber, gradually hollowing out the structure from the inside. Early detection is the most effective way to safeguard the tree’s health and prevent the colony from migrating to nearby wooden structures like a home or deck. Recognizing the subtle and overt signs of their activity is the first line of defense for property owners.
Visual Signs on the Tree and Ground
The most common and visible indicators of subterranean termites are the distinctive mud tubes, also known as shelter tubes, which they construct for transit. These tubes are typically brown or tan, about the width of a pencil, and appear like dried-out veins running along the bark or up the trunk from the soil line. Subterranean termites require high humidity and moisture to survive, and these tubes, made of soil, wood particles, and saliva, protect them from dry air and predators.
Homeowners should pay close attention to the area where the tree meets the ground, particularly around the root flare, as this is a primary point of entry and tube construction. Another distinct visual sign is termite frass, the excrement produced by drywood termites. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not need soil contact and expel their droppings from the wood.
This frass appears as tiny, granular, or pellet-like mounds near the base of the tree or on horizontal surfaces below an infestation site. The pellets can look like fine sawdust or ground pepper, often accumulating in small piles. Finding these particles near the trunk or on dead branches indicates drywood termite activity. Visible damage, such as small, pinpoint holes in the bark or compromised wood around old pruning scars, can also serve as entry or exit points for the colony.
Testing for Internal Damage
While external signs are helpful, termites often consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin, seemingly intact layer of bark or surface wood. To assess the internal structural integrity, a simple percussion or “tap test” can be performed on the trunk or suspicious branches. Tapping the wood with a solid object, such as a screwdriver handle, should produce a dull, solid sound if the wood is healthy.
If the wood has been extensively tunneled and hollowed out by termites, the tapping will produce a distinctively hollow or flat sound. This acoustic difference signals that the cellulose material inside has been consumed, leaving behind voids or thin wooden shells. The damage is often concentrated in the heartwood, the dead, non-supportive core of the tree, though extensive colonies can compromise the supportive sapwood layer.
Further assessment can be done by carefully probing suspect areas with a sharp tool, such as an awl or screwdriver. Applying slight pressure should meet firm resistance if the tree is sound. If the tool easily penetrates the surface and the wood feels soft, spongy, or crumbles, it suggests internal damage and tunneling. This physical examination is most effective near the base of the tree or on dead limbs, where the infestation is likely to have started or progressed.
Differentiating Termite Evidence
A crucial step in confirming the presence of termites involves correctly identifying the insects or their remains, particularly during the swarming season. Termites and carpenter ants are often confused in their winged, reproductive stage, known as swarmers or alates. Termite swarmers have four wings of equal size that are typically twice the length of their body. They shed these wings shortly after their mating flight, leaving behind small piles that resemble fish scales.
A clear distinction can be made by examining the body structure of the insect, if one is found. Termites possess a broad, straight waist, giving them a uniform appearance with only two apparent body segments. Carpenter ants, by contrast, have a distinctly pinched or narrow waist between their thorax and abdomen, clearly separating their three body segments. Carpenter ant swarmers also have unequal wing sizes, with the front pair being noticeably longer than the hind pair.
Another differentiating characteristic is the appearance of the tunnels within the wood. Termites, especially subterranean species, fill their excavated tunnels and galleries with mud and fecal material, creating a rough, caked interior. Carpenter ants, which simply nest in wood rather than consume it, keep their galleries clean and smooth, often giving the wood a sanded look. Correct identification of the insect or its evidence confirms the species and guides the next steps for mitigation.
Next Steps for Professional Assessment
Upon confirming the likely presence of a termite infestation, the next action is to seek professional guidance. A certified arborist should be consulted to assess the tree’s structural integrity and overall health. The arborist can determine the extent of the internal damage and advise on whether the tree poses a safety risk, such as the potential for falling branches or trunk failure.
A pest control specialist should also be engaged, as an infested tree represents a serious risk of the colony moving to nearby wooden structures. Termite colonies often use trees as a staging ground before seeking a new, closer food source. The specialist will confirm the species of termite and recommend an appropriate course of action focused on eliminating the colony to protect the home.
These professionals use specialized tools, such as moisture meters and thermal imaging, to pinpoint the location and extent of the infestation within the tree and surrounding soil. While a homeowner can identify the initial signs, only a specialist can perform the thorough assessment and implement the targeted treatment to manage the threat. Timely intervention is paramount to prevent the spread of the infestation and protect the structural elements of a home.