How to Tell If a Tree Is Overwhelmed With Termites

Termites, like ants, travel in groups called colonies. They are unfortunately active throughout the year, but the colony usually grows fastest during warm weather. A single colony can contain up to 250,000 termites! These critters usually break down into three groups: workers, soldiers, and reproducers. Worker termites are white and can reach up to half an inch in length. Reproductive ones are the same size but light brown or black in color and have very long wings. Soldier termites can reach of an inch in length and have colored heads and white bodies.

Signs of Termites in Trees

Termites are silent, but they do leave signs of their presence in your trees. Here are some steps to discovering termites in your trees:

• Inspect around the base of your tree. If you notice wood shavings and termite wings, then that is a solid sign of a termite infestation.
• Termites love moisture almost as much as they love wood. Look for mud tubes on the tree bark.
• Grab a shovel and dig the soil around the roots of your trees. Termites usually make their home just below the soil line.
• Grab a drill and drill the tree trunk to its middle section. If you drill through hollowness, then you likely have a serious infestation that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Protect Your Trees from Termites