Signs of Termites in Trees
Termites serve an important function in nature by breaking down dead wood from trees. However, when they have invaded a tree near your house, they pose a danger. Reproductive termites coming from the tree may decide to take up residence in the wood structure of your house. You should be on the lookout for signs of termites in your trees so you can treat them before they become a problem. Does this Spark an idea?
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Termite Tubes
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Termites build tubes out of mud to protect themselves. Look around the base of the tree trunk for these brown, pencil-sized tubes.
Live Termites
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If termites are present in a tree, you can usually see them by digging around the base of the tree between the roots.
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Termite Swarms
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Termite swarms near the tree are a sign of an infestation. Termite swarms are brief so they are easy to miss.
Swarm Castles
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When termites swarm, they exit the tree from swarm castles. These look like fingers of grit and mud sticking out of the tree trunk.
Mud
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Mud deposited high above the ground could be a sign of termites even if the mud doesn't form an obvious termite structure. Check in places such as pruning scars or the forks of tree branches.
Tree Health
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Termites rarely invade healthy trees, so check the tree for signs of declining health. Pay particular attention to dead or dying branches.
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