Every year in the US, termites are projected to cause around $4 billion in property damage. Termites obtain nutrients from wood’s cellulose matter.
Termites will start to produce complex tunnels after discovering a readily available source of food. These tunnels are also called termite tubes. These tubes help termites navigate the wood structure.
You need to check your trees for indications of termites if you are a homeowner. If you neglect an infestation, it might result in the termite infestation moving from the tree to your house, where they will cause a lot of property damage.
If you notice a couple of signs below, you have to immediately call a tree service Port St Lucie for help.
Termite Wings
Obviously, termite wings are a clear indication that a tree is infested with termites. To be more specific, subterranean termites have wings that they will drop after they discover an appropriate food source.
Almost every termite drops its wings inside the source of food. However, you might find them outside of an affected tree.
Termite Tunnels
Probably the most obvious indication of a termite infestation is the presence of termite tubes. Termites might produce tunneling structures both outside and inside the tree during an infestation.
You will not be able to see tunnels inside the tree. However, you can certainly see tunnels outside. In general, they appear like black or brown dirt running up the side of your tree. The tunnel usually spirals out in various directions.
Hollow Trunk
A hollow trunk might also be a sign of termite infestation. As the termites eat away the interior parts of your tree, the trunk of your tree will become hollow. You will hear a distinct hollow sound if you know a hard object or hammer against the trunk.
Missing Bark
Missing bark is another clear indication that a tree has a termite infestation. There are a couple of reasons why trees can lose bark. This includes physical injury and disease. However, it can be a sign of a termite infestation if you see huge parts of missing bark.
Termites will start to devour a tree from the interior area when they infest a tree. Eventually, the structural integrity of a tree will become compromised. This results in the loss of bark.
Decayed and Dead
In general, healthy and living trees are safe from termites. Almost every species of termites only eat wood from decayed and dead trees. Thus, whenever you’re checking the tree in your lawn, you have to search for indications of decay.
You should look to see if they’re decaying, whether you’ve got pine, cedar, ash, oak, or any other forms of trees on your lawn.
A termite infestation can destroy healthy trees quickly. Thus, it affects the overall look of your landscape. However, if you get rid of the tree’s problematic area, you can manage these destructive pests and protect your property from huge damages.
If you see a couple of signs of termite infestation, immediately call a professional arborist for help.
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