Termites are a natural part of the ecosystem and help to maintain balance in ecosystems. However, they can be harmful to trees and shrubs if left unchecked. Termites feed on dead plants and animals, which can cause the trees around them to die. The termite population is usually small enough to go unnoticed for long periods until tree damage becomes severe.
This blog post will tell you how to identify termites on your garden plants and what steps you should take after identifying them, so your plants remain safe from these pesky insects!
Why Are There Termites on Trees?
There are a few reasons why there are termites on trees. The first reason is that termites need moisture to survive, and trees provide a lot of moisture. The second reason is that trees give a lot of food for termites, such as the sapwood, which is the softwood that lies near the bark of a tree. The third reason is that trees provide shelter for termites.
Termites also travel from tree to tree via the soil. So, as you can see, trees are a lovely home for termites, and it is safe to say that you will find termites on trees now and then. Without the trees, termites would have been a very rare sight.
The location of a termite colony on a tree can vary depending on what type of termite infestation you are dealing with. Of course, there are subterranean and dry wood termites, but there are many different classifications within those two types of species.
Subterranean termites build large mounds that can be found close to the ground. Drywood termites, on the other hand, don’t build mounds at all and instead create shelter tubes between branches of trees. This is one reason why it is so dangerous to have trees near your house; even if you see no signs of termites on the tree, the tubes might be there, and it is impossible to see them.
It is essential to understand why there are termites on trees so that homeowners know what action should be taken. If you have a termite problem, it’s probably best to get rid of the trees in your yard.
If you have a tree that is infested with termites, it should be removed immediately. If the tree is not removed, it may cause damage to neighboring trees and buildings. It also increases the chances of termite swarms because tree holes create trails going from one tree to another. Along with this, if you have a lot of trees surrounding your home, it may be much easier for swarms to come up and attack the house.
Signs of Termite Infestation on Trees
Termites are small, soft-bodied creatures that can be difficult to see. They often live in colonies and can cause a great deal of damage to the wood in a home. However, there are a few signs that you can look for to determine if you have a termite infestation on your trees.
The following are some signs that there are termites on trees:
- Sudden plant or tree death.
- Mud tubes found on tree trunks or branches, which subterranean termites create.
- Termite swarmers, or winged termites, which can be seen emerging from the ground or trees during certain times of the year.
- Rotting wood, as subterranean termites eat away at the tree’s inner structure.
- Dampness or moisture near the base of the tree.
- Small mounds of soil around the tree.
If you see any of these signs, it is essential to call a professional to inspect your trees. Termites can cause a great deal of damage to a tree, and in some cases, the tree may not be able to survive. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to get rid of any termites present as soon as possible.
How to Get Rid of Termites on Trees?
Termites are a severe problem for tree owners. These insects eat away at the wood in the tree, causing structural damage and, in some cases, the tree’s death. However, there are a few things that you can do to get rid of termites on trees:
- Prune the tree regularly to remove any dead or damaged branches. This will reduce the number of places where termites can live and nest.
- Treat the tree with an insecticide. This will kill any termites that are living in or around the tree.
- Remove any stumps or debris from around the base of the tree. This will deny termites access to food and shelter.
- Install a termite barrier around the tree’s trunk to prevent any termites from getting into the tree.
While these are a few things that you must NOT do when trying to get rid of termites on trees:
- Do not apply an insecticide to the bark, leaves, or flowers of the tree. The chemical will not penetrate through these areas, and it will be useless.
- Do not destroy the nests or mounds of termites. This will only serve to anger and upset the colony, triggering them to attack your tree with even more vigor than before.
- Do not burn down any part of the tree as this will release into the air all chemicals applied to the tree to kill the termites. These chemicals can be harmful to your health.
If you are having trouble getting rid of termites on your trees, it is best to consult with a professional arborist who will be able to help you get the job done safely and effectively.