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The Signs of Termite Infestation in Trees

Termites pose a significant threat inside Florida homes as well as the trees in their yards and garden areas. These wood-destroying insects love warm and humid conditions, making it all the more important for homeowners to be vigilant during the hotter months. A termite infestation can often go unnoticed unless a lot of damage has already been done. 

When termites invade trees, you would not know until the damage starts getting visible from the outside and enough structural damage has been done. Trees are the primary source of food for termites before they invade your house for more. Termites can weaken your trees and eventually make them unstable and fall to the ground. 

If you love your garden and want to preserve it as it is, it is important to conduct regular inspections of your trees for termites. These pests can easily travel from trees to your house before you know it. Regular inspection by a team of experts in pest control in Loughman is crucial in protecting your outdoors as well as indoors. 

Signs of termite infestations in trees 

  1. Mud tubes on the tree trunk. 

Mud tubes are small, pencil-sized tunnels made by subterranean termites. You will find these tubes along the surface of tree trunks and other structures. These allow the termites to travel safely and avoid interactions with any predators. These are essential pathways to forage for food and transport it back to their nest safely. 

If you find mud tubes on your trees, inspect the area carefully. Look for the other signs of termite infestation, which will be discussed further in the blog. If you suspect an infestation, call a pest control company. 

  1. Hollow-sounding or damaged wood. 

Hollow-sounding wood is the most obvious indication of a termite infestation. To check for this, knock on the trunk of your tree. If a hollow sound comes, it means termites have been consuming the inner wood for a while now, which has weakened its structure. It is notable that termites feed on wood inside out and not the other way around. 

Other than a hollow sound, you may find other signs, such as wood that crumbles easily or appears visibly weak. If sections of a tree easily break off without much effort, it indicates an infestation. 

  1. Swarming termites around the tree. 

Swarming termites also referred to as alates, are often found in large groups and emerge during the warmer months. Swarming termites can identified by their wings, and they can be found at the base of trees, typically in the spring or summer. A group of swarming termites means they are ready to reproduce and that a mature colony is nearby. 

If you find swarming termites in your garden and around your trees, it is important to treat the area immediately. This will stop them from spreading and establishing new colonies. 

  1. Termite frass (droppings) around the tree. 

Termite frass are small, pellet-like droppings that you may find near the base of an infested tree. You will typically find them in large numbers in piles. These can vary in color from light brown to dark brown, depending on the type of wood they are consuming. They can often be mistaken for sawdust, and homeowners do not pay much attention to them. 

The presence of frass is a clear indication of termites actively feeding inside the tree. It also means that the infestation might have already reached a severe level. The greater the amount of frass located, the bigger the infestation is likely to be. 

Save your trees from termites today!

You have worked hard to build the yard or garden you have today. All your plants, including your trees, beautify your house. You would not want pests to ruin the aesthetic appeal of your property. To ensure the health of your trees and protect your house from a termite infestation, contact pest control services in Florida today!