How Do Termites Damage Trees?
WouterTermites are a type of insect that can damage your trees. They do so by feeding on the wood and destroying it. This is why you should check for signs of termites on a regular basis. If you spot signs of termites, you should contact an exterminator to remove them.
Termite species vary in their feeding habits. Some of them feed on live plants, while others prefer to eat dead wood. Termites also have mud tubes that they use to travel between their underground nest and their food source.
The mud tube is the most visible sign of a termite infestation. The holes are usually about one sixteenth of an inch wide, and are perfectly circled. The best way to find out if your tree has termites is to dig at the root of the tree.
Termite damage is often so extensive that the tree cannot survive. Fortunately, most infestations can be removed in a few days. However, it is important to get rid of the tree as soon as possible. This will stop the insects from spreading to other trees.
The first thing to do is to remove the dead branches from your tree. You should try to remove the branches as close to your house as possible. If the tree is weakened, it will be easy for a storm to break it.
Another termite-related item to keep in mind is the cambium layer. This is the part of the trunk that is still growing. In response to auxins produced by leaf buds, the cambium produces new bark.
