Do you have a large tree in your yard? There is a high possibility that it has termites. Some people overlook the fact of having termites in the tree until they find severe damage in the tree. Termites can damage your tree more than you may assume.
Thankfully, you are conscious of whether there is termite in your tree or not. In this article, we are going to share some facts on how to tell if a tree has termites. It will assist you to detect the termites as soon as possible. The sooner you can detect it, it will be easier to get rid of that issue.
5 Signs That Tell There Are Termites in A Tree
Do you know that termites cause more than a billion dollars in damage every year? If you don’t want to include your property also in that damaged list, you have to detect the termite and remove it as soon as possible. We have discovered 4 signs that will tell you that they are termites existing in your tree.
Hole in the tree trunk
First things first, you have to start by looking for any hole in the tree trunk. If you notice such a tunnel or hole in your tree, it indicates that there are definitely termites in your tree. That damages the inner health of the tree. Eventually, the tree can’t stay strong against wind or difficult climate conditions.
Termite Highways
Termites move within the trees between the tree and their underground nests. While moving they lose their moisture levels. To protect themselves from that, they construct mud tubes on the surface of trees. If there are termites in your tree, you will notice small mud tubes on the bark. It ensures the active termite presence.
Cracks in Bark
Are there constant cracks occurring in the tree’s bark? Most probably, termites are the culprit behind that. They can cause the bark to crack due to their tunneling activities. These symptoms mostly become noticeable in the spring season. It tells that their infest condition is too severe.
Woodpecker
Termites are a favorite food for woodpeckers. They find and eat termites from the tree bark. When you notice there are lots of woodpeckers around your tree most of the time, it gives a strong hint that there might be termites in your tree.
Falling Branches
Have you recently noticed too many branches falling? Termites are responsible for making the branches weak. As a result, The branches start falling rapidly. If you find any of those symptoms in your tree, there is a high possibility of having termites in that.
At this point, you know how to tell if a tree has termites. But what should be your next step? You have to take some quick action so that you can get rid of the termite issue. Otherwise, it will damage the overall tree’s health and it can even kill the tree.
How To Protect Your Trees From Termites?
Proper Care and Maintenance
First of all, proper care and maintenance are the primary requirements to protect the tree from any kind of damage. You should prune dead branches regularly. It will make the tree less vulnerable to termites attack. Active branches have more resistance to avoid pests.
Avoid Over-watering
Watering is compulsory to maintain tree health. On the opposite side, overwatering can lead to damage to the tree. Are you wondering how is that possible? Well, Over watering creates a damp environment on the tree bark and roots. This can attract termites and other pests. That’s why you have to be careful about overwatering.
Establish a Barrier
If you notice any termite’s activity in your tree, you should establish a barrier to resist those pests from accessing the tree. You have to be selective about choosing the materials for the barrier. Gravel and cross rock could be a perfect choice for that.
Plant Termite-Repellent Trees
Last but not the least, planting termite-repellent trees can assist a lot with protecting other trees. Marigold can be a perfect option for you. The fragrance of Marigold repels termites and other pests. To be more specific, you can choose French marigolds and African marigolds.
Final Words
In conclusion, we can say that it’s essential to identify if a tree has termites. After that, we have to take the necessary action to get rid of the termites. Rapid falling of branches, holes in the tree bark, the appearance of woodpeckers, and cracks in the bark are some common signs that indicate there are termites in the tree. Early detection can help you to save a tree.
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FAQ
What are common signs of termites?
You have to look for mud tubes on the tree’s bark, discarded wings near the base, and hollow-sounding wood.
How do you detect termites?
You have to tap the tree’s trunk to detect the existence of termites. If it sounds hollow, there’s a chance of termite activity. Also, you should inspect for mud tubes, small holes, and droppings
What kills termites fast?
Applying chemical termiticides is the fastest method to kill termites. It should be applied to the soil with sprays to effectively eliminate termites
Are termites harmful to humans?
Termites primarily damage trees and structures. While they don’t directly harm humans, their destruction can lead to safety hazards and economic loss.