Did you know that homeowners in Georgia spend over $200 million each year repairing damage caused by subterranean termites and controlling existing infestations? If you live in Georgia and aren’t proactive about controlling and preventing termite infestations, there’s a good chance the damage can spread before you realize there’s a problem.
In this blog post, you’ll learn about four signs of termites in trees. If you recognize any of the signs on your property, contact Boss Tree Service to schedule tree services in Fayetteville, GA.
4 Signs of Termite Damage in Trees
If you aren’t a professional with local experience in Fayetteville, understanding how to identify termites in trees can be confusing because the early signs often look similar to normal tree stress or other pest issues. The following sections describe four clear warning signs of termites in trees:
Sign #1: Mud Tubes on the Trunk or Near the Base
When termites infest a tree, they often build narrow mud tubes along the trunk or near the base to protect themselves while traveling. If you see these tubes attached to the bark, termites are likely active inside the tree.
Sign #2: Hollow or Soft Wood
When termites feed on a tree, they eat the wood from the inside out. If parts of the trunk or large branches sound hollow when tapped or feel soft under pressure, termite damage may already be present.
Sign #3: Crumbling or Peeling Bark
When termites tunnel beneath the bark, it can loosen or separate from the wood underneath. If bark starts peeling away easily or breaks apart in sections, termites could be damaging the tree beneath the surface.
Sign #4: Sawdust or Frass Around the Tree
When termites push waste material out of their tunnels, it can collect around the base of the tree or in bark crevices. Small piles of wood debris often point to active feeding inside the tree.
Preventing Termite Infestations in Trees
One of the best tree pest inspection tips we can give you involves hiring a professional because termites often cause damage inside the tree long before clear signs show up on the outside. However, there you can do some things around your yard yourself to help identify and prevent termites, including:
- Check tree trunks and exposed roots for mud tubes, loose bark, or hollow-sounding wood.
- Remove old stumps, fallen branches, and wood piles that attract termites.
- Keep mulch and soil from touching the base of trees and structures.
- Fix drainage issues that leave soil damp around trees.
If you want a professional’s opinion, contact Boss Tree Service to schedule a tree health assessment.
Call Boss Tree Service To Schedule Tree Inspection Services in Fayetteville, GA
If you’re still having trouble identifying the signs of termites in trees, or you want a professional’s opinion, call Boss Tree Service at (770) 251-8000 to schedule termite control for trees.
Check out our summer tree care guide for more information on how to spot issues early and address them with regular maintenance before they become more expensive to fix.