Termites threaten trees by feeding on dead wood within the heartwood or attacking the roots and trunk. This destructive feeding compromises the tree’s structural integrity, creating a hazardous situation that may allow the infestation to spread to nearby structures. Prompt and targeted action is necessary to eliminate the colony, protect the tree, and prevent the expansion of this pest problem. Treating a tree requires a clear understanding of the infestation’s extent and the most effective methods for eradication.
Identifying the Infestation and Assessing Damage
Confirmation of termite activity is the first step and can be achieved by looking for distinct visual signs near the tree’s base and on its trunk. Subterranean termites, the most common type to infest trees, construct pencil-width, soil-colored mud tubes that they use as protected pathways from the ground to the wood source. These tubes may be visible running up the tree bark or on exposed roots, often indicating an active colony.
Another sign is the presence of frass, which are small, pellet-like termite droppings, or discarded wings near the tree, signaling a swarm has recently occurred. To gauge the extent of damage, lightly tap the trunk with a solid object, listening for hollow sounds that suggest the internal wood has been extensively tunneled out. If the wood near the base feels soft, crumbles easily upon probing, or exhibits large cavities, the structural stability of the tree is compromised.
Direct Treatment Strategies
Targeting the termite colony within and around the tree requires a multi-pronged approach using specialized control methods. One primary method is the application of a liquid termiticide to the soil immediately surrounding the tree’s base. This process, often involving trenching or rodding, establishes a continuous chemical barrier down to the root system, preventing termites from entering or exiting the tree through the soil. Non-repellent liquid termiticides are preferred because termites cannot detect them, allowing the insects to pass through the treated zone and carry the active ingredient back to the colony.
For infestations where termites are tunneling within the tree, direct wood treatments can be applied. This involves injecting non-repellent termiticides or dry termiticides directly into visible termite galleries or damaged wood voids. Dry termiticides are granular baits that are carried by the termites and distributed throughout the colony, eliminating the infestation from the inside.
Baiting systems offer a slower but highly effective means of colony elimination, especially for subterranean species. In-ground bait stations are strategically placed in the soil around the infested tree, containing a cellulose material laced with a slow-acting insecticide. Worker termites feed on this toxic bait and share it with the rest of the colony, including the queen, leading to the gradual demise of the entire population.
When Professional Intervention is Necessary
Homeowners should consider hiring a certified arborist or pest control operator when the termite damage is widespread, or the tree presents a risk. If the infestation has caused extensive hollowing or structural compromise, a professional assessment is needed to determine if the tree is at risk of falling. This is especially important for trees located near homes, driveways, or utility lines, where failure could result in property damage or injury.
Professional exterminators also have access to advanced treatments and equipment not available to the general public. They can perform deep soil injection, specialized chemical treatments, and use advanced tools like thermal imaging to accurately locate the extent of the colony. Furthermore, effective treatment relies on correctly identifying the specific species of termite, such as the highly aggressive Formosan subterranean termite, which requires specialized knowledge for proper management.
Preventing Future Infestations
Reducing the environmental factors that attract termites is a strategy for long-term prevention. Termites thrive in damp conditions, so managing moisture levels around the tree and in the yard is a foundational step. This involves ensuring proper drainage so that water slopes away from the tree’s base and fixing any leaky outdoor faucets or irrigation systems that could saturate the soil.
Removing potential food sources from the immediate vicinity is also a preventative measure. All dead wood, including fallen branches, old lumber, and tree stumps, should be removed, as these materials are primary termite attractants. Mulch should be kept away from the tree’s trunk and any nearby building foundations, as it retains moisture and provides a cellulose-rich food source.
Routine inspection habits are essential for catching new activity early. Periodically check the tree’s base, root flare, and any exposed wood for signs like mud tubes or discarded wings. Maintaining physical separation between the soil and any wooden structures nearby, such as decks or fences, reduces the pathways termites can use to access the tree or home.