Termite holes in tree. The chances are that you already know that if your tree has been infested with termites, it’s not just the tree itself you should worry about.

Termites can cause substantial damage to your home, mainly because they reproduce quickly and are highly adaptable. Here’s what you need to know about when it’s time to take out the axe.

Termite Holes In Tree

There are several things you can do on your end, once you’re aware of termites and the fact that they’ve invaded your wooded property, to eliminate them at the root.

First, treat the soil around and under where the infected tree is located with a termiticide to block any potential routes for them to enter in the future.

Next, spray some of these chemicals by the perimeter of your yard, including all trunks or bases of trees or bushes adjacent to one another.

1. Mud Tubes

The first and the most tell-tale sign of termites infesting in a tree is when you start to see trails of mud that begins from the base of the tree and leads up to the branches.

This proves that it’s not rainfall causing wetness on your wood as this mud trail won’t trace back down any further up the tree than about waist level.

Unlike other termite species, Formosan termites make all of their travels by travelling through underground tunnels between food.

Because Formosan termites can expand their colonies so rapidly, these underground tunnels can resemble spider web networks on top of an infested tree rooted into the mountainside.

This is known as a “Multi-Nodal Colony”, – where each section serves as a node contracting outwards into multiple areas that can appear around branches or near either end of a chapter.

2. Termite Holes

Termites can dig up trees. To identify their home, it’s straightforward for them to cause damage on trees and make holes. The termites use the holes to abandon the surface and eventually, the termite will look like a fungus.

If you happen to spot the termite anywhere, the chances are that you get taken aback by just how tiny they are. There are different species of termites in trees.

Still, one thing is for sure: spotting these creatures is not easy because they blend very well with their surroundings by appearing as mere fungi or something that looks like a bookmark, significantly if those places are dampened areas on a tree’s trunk.

3. Swarmers

Swarmers are winged termites that leave their colonies to find another host. They are a reproductive life stage of the Eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes.

Once they have found a new nest to infest, they shed their wings and begin establishing a new colony in whatever object they choose.

If you find one swarm, you may find more here or there and pieces of termite wings left around on the ground!

Remember, if you don’t see all of these four signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your property isn’t infested with termites – be sure to keep an eye out for any red flags so that you won’t have to repair any damage later on down the road.

Trees That Attract Termites

Oak trees.
Palm trees.
Maple Trees.
Mango Tree.
PeachTree.
Citrus Fruit Tree.
Conifers like pine trees.

Is It Possible To Save A Tree From Termites?

Yes, we can save a tree from termites when there are no termites that have reached the tree’s heartwood.

The tree’s heartwood is its core body, and our spine would be referencing the area just underneath the skin’s surface where blood vessels run through to provide nutrients and oxygen to your cells.

Without it, you wouldn’t be able to move on your own because you would suffer paralysis and not be able to operate on your own.

Just like if we were to injure or damage our spine somehow! If a tree suffers too much damage to its heartwood, it could die.

The same goes for human beings. So think of your spine as the rallying symbol of the healthful movement.

Why do trees attract termites?

Termites naturally tend to attack weaker trees because they know they will be easier to claw apart.

However, if you notice that your tree lacks nutrition or has toxic material within its roots that have leaked out of the soil, it’s likely to begin rotting and weakening itself.

This leaves it susceptible to termite attacks all around the tree’s trunk, especially on its bark. If there are signs of decay (such as white patches), you can manage this by quickly attacking with various protective chemicals (called ‘termite repellents’) from doing any damage whatsoever.

How can you Save A Tree That Has Termites?

To save a tree from termites first, you’d need to assess the degree of termite infestation in the tree. You’d need to determine if termites have reached the heartwood of the base trunk of the tree.

As an arborist is ideally suited to make such an assessment (as they deal with trees all day), it’s beneficial to consult with one and see what they think should be done.

To find out yourself, you’d want to dig through those holes that are likely where some termites currently reside on the tree trunk.

If you find the darkest wood inside has begun rotting and is covered by rot, that wood was likely softer than it should’ve been due to termite infestation (because they can sometimes eat harsh substances like hardwoods and even concrete!).

Also, if you find a big hole full of soft mud on-base trunk, that’s not good either. If you have mud tubes in the box, it’s clear there are termites. It’s time to cut down the tree.

However, even if there are no mud tubes beneath the soil, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any termites. The termites might have spread from the trunk to your other branches.

By cutting down your tree, you may think you’ve rid yourself of those darned critters, but especially when dealing with termites, it can be challenging to make sure they’re all gone for good.

Check for signs in your branches like mud tube entry points or holes – and keep your loved ones safe from causing further damage by getting these potential hazards taken care of ASAP.

Conclusion

Termites can be dangerous to any structural material because of their destructive power. But if you notice termites in your home, use caution and make sure not to accidentally step on them as they could pierce your skin and potentially cause further injury to you or those around you.

These creatures are known for burrowing into the wood of the structure, leaving no signs, so if you suspect termites have invaded a wooden item in your household, otherwise known as heartwood, immediately contact a professional exterminator who will assess the situation and provide helpful advice regarding the best way to address this delicate subject.

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Termite Holes In Tree