You should already know how damaging termites can be to your home, but they can also do plenty of harm in outside spaces when they infest trees. While termites prefer to feast on dead trees and stumps, they can also infest living trees and spread across your backyard. Even if you aren't worried about the outside space itself, it's worth keeping in mind that termites can easily move from your yard to your home.
With that in mind, it's well worth learning the signs that a tree has become infested with termites so you can take steps to get rid of them as soon as possible. Here are just four of the most common signs.
1. Mud Tubes
Termites live underground and are extremely vulnerable when exposed. When they do need to travel above ground, they create thin mud tubes to provide protection from the sun. If you notice such tubes on one of your trees, you can be sure there are termites present. You may even find worker termites inside if you break one of the tubes open. These tubes will generally be most evident around the base of the tree, though they can be created further up.
2. Unexplained Weakness
One reason termites can damage trees without being detected is that they work from the inside out, but you will still be able to notice some signs of damage. If one of your trees seems to be dying without any visible cause, termites could be the reason why. Branches may break off, and you may be able to hear hollow sounds when you knock against the trunk.
3. Small Holes
Termites might attack a tree from the inside, but they still need to get inside in the first place. To do so, tiny holes will be created throughout the trunk. These can be easy to miss if you aren't actively looking for them, but they're a sure sign that termites are present. You'll generally find them towards the bottom of the trunk, sometimes in rings that go all or most of the way around.
4. Debris at the Base
If you're worried about one of your trees, take a look around the base and you may be able to see signs of a termite infestation. Wood shavings may show where termites have dug their way in. You may also notice termite droppings, which look a bit like black and white dust or find termite wings that have been shed by flying termites. For more info about pest control, contact a local company.
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