How to Prevent Termites From Killing Trees

If a termite colony infests a tree, the tree can easily die without proper termite extermination.

Termite infestations can cause serious damage to home landscapes. In order to keep termite colonies from killing your trees, prevent termite colonies from forming. If a colony has already infested a tree, you will need to exterminate.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid termite repellent
• Subterranean termite bait

Instructions

1. Remove excess wood debris near your tree. Because termites feed on wood debris, having an excess food source near the tree could attract colonies to the trees. Excess wood debris includes old tree stumps, wood scraps, fallen, dried branches, firewood and paper items.

2. Spray around the base of the tree with a liquid termite repellent. Depending on the size of the tree, you should spray out from the base two to three feet, making sure that all areas of the base and mulch are covered. Also, spray the entire first foot of the tree trunk.

3. Place four subterranean termite baits into the ground ten feet out from the tree in each direction. One month after you put the termite baits into the ground, contact a local exterminator. He will inspect the baits to determine whether there is termite activity. If there is no termite activity, schedule an appointment for him to return in three months. If there is termite activity, he will replace the initial wooden bait with a toxic bait.

Tips & Warnings

• When contacting a termite exterminator, make sure that he is licensed by the Department of Agriculture or licensing agency in your state that deals with termite control. This will ensure that the exterminator has the technical knowledge to treat your trees for termites.

References

• Kill the Termites: How Colonies of Termites Function
• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Subterranean Termite Treatment Options
• University of Kentucky: Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners