No matter how majestic a tree appears, there is always a chance that termites could be munching their way through its once powerful trunk. In fact, did you know that the famed instrument the didgeridoo was once primarily made from the hollowed-out trunks of gum trees in Australia?
In a forest, hollowed-out trees pose no threat to people or their homes; however, in an urban environment, such as a home garden, hollowed-out trees are dangerous.
Termites don't just attack gum trees. They attack many types of trees, including things like oak and pine trees. But how can you tell if your tree is being hollowed out by termites?
Termites Leave Telltale Signs
From a distance, a tree infested with termites may appear healthy and sturdy, with a full canopy of leaves. You need to get up close to your trees if you want to spot signs of termite infestation.
First, examine the base of your trees. Are there mud tunnels coming up from the ground that snake up the bark of your tree and suddenly come to a stop? Since termites use these mud tunnels to travel in the open and to have protection from sunlight, which can be lethal to them, you should look for mud tunnels first.
Termites can squeeze under the bark of trees too, to get at the dead wood that lies just under the bark. You may be able to find signs of termite infestation by removing loose pieces of bark. If termites are in the process of hollowing out your tree, you should be able to see the damage once you remove the bark.
If there are no visible signs on the bark itself, try digging into the soil around the tree's roots. Since termites can also enter a tree from underground, if they are present, this is a simple way to locate them.
Call in a Pest Control Expert
Although the wood in the centre of a tree is dead, it does provide the tree with some structural support. If termites hollow the centre of a tree out, eventually, that tree may topple in a storm or on a windy day. If that happens without warning, you and your home could be at risk.
If you have spotted signs of termite infestation in your tree, it is safe to assume that your tree may topple in the near future. Call a termite treatment service to examine and eradicate the infestation before that happens.
Share26 June 2019
Hello there. I have spent my whole life in the same house. I inherited it from my parents, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. When I was a child, my parents referred to our town as a "seaside village". My how things have changed! These days, I live in centre of a major city with resorts and highrises all around. Seeing the transformation has been absolutely fascinating. As I've watched the value of houses around me skyrocket, I've developed a voyeur's interest in the real estate market. I love nothing more than browsing in a real estate agent's window, attending an open house or watching an auction. I know that this is a hobby for quite a few people as some of my neighbours join me on my "excursions". I hope that others with an interest in real estate will enjoy the casual observations recorded in this blog.
