Do Termites Kill Living Trees?
WouterIf you have a tree that is dying or has been damaged by insects, you may be wondering if termites kill living trees. Termites are small insects that live in the wood of your tree. They feed on the inner layer of the tree, called heartwood.
They prefer to infest dead or decaying trees. As a result, it is a good idea to remove the dead or diseased portion of the tree immediately. You can do this by burning the affected piece, or disposing of it. You should also check for signs of infestation and treat the soil around the infected tree with liquid termiticide.
Termites are a real nuisance, and they can cause serious damage to your home. They are typically half an inch in length. They look like ants, and they are white or light brown in color. Their main food source is cellulose. They can penetrate the bark of a tree, but they are unable to get into the sapwood or heartwood.
Termites can be found in many types of trees. Most commonly, they infest oak trees. However, they can infest a number of other trees. If you have a fruit tree, such as a peach or a plum, be sure to check it regularly for evidence of termite activity.
If you suspect you have termites, you should contact a professional tree service. They will be able to provide you with the best possible treatment. You can also apply a liquid termiticide to the trunk of the infected tree. This will prevent termites from returning.
