How to Treat a Tree With Termite Damage

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Termite infestations can be one of the worst nightmares for a homeowner. Even if these insects haven't entered your home and started eating the wood, you should inspect the property around your home to ensure that a termite colony does not exist nearby. If you find termites in a tree, it is important to get rid of the infestation as quickly as possible. While you can get rid of a termite infestation yourself, the damage can only be erased by the passage of time.

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Step 1

Use non-repellent, liquid termiticides if you are going to use a liquid termiticide treatment. Non-repellents kill on contact, while repellents simply keep termites at bay. Non-repellents will be the most effective for destroying a termite colony that has infested a tree.

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Step 2

Inject the liquid termiticide into the ground around the infested tree. The injection should be done so that a complete liquid termiticide ring is around the tree. This ring will act as a barrier almost immediately.

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Step 3

Wait 24 to 48 hours to see if the termite colony begins to die off. Termites do not eat healthy wood. Thus, if the tree is healthy, the termites are getting food from another source. The liquid termiticide should block all access to outside food sources and kill the colony.

Step 4

Call a trained professional to inspect the tree if the liquid termiticide treatment doesn't work. Termites only eat dead cellulose, and an abundance of this in the tree may mean the tree isn't healthy. It's important to keep the tree healthy so it won't attract termites.

Tip

If termites have infested a tree stump, remove the stump. If you find termites in a tree that is close to your home, create a liquid termiticide barrier around your home. Most termites are subterranean and can reach homes through a vast network of underground tunnels.

Warning

Any termite infestation close to your home is a serious matter. The colony can easily expand and infest your house without your knowledge. Because of this, you should hire an exterminator to get rid of the infestation. A professional exterminator will ensure that the colony is destroyed.

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