Termites are destructive insects that can infest trees.
Termites can cause a multitude of problems if they invade your property, and an early target will be your trees. According to Termite-I.com, termites favor areas with a high population of trees and often build their nests in or on top of them. The damage is relatively easy to spot and it's imperative to stop it as early as possible. Does this Spark an idea?
Early Damage
The first few months of termite infestation is nearly unnoticeable from the outside as most of it will be beneath the bark. Termites begin eating passages from there and work toward the heart of the tree. In those few months, between 50 to 100 termites will be living in the tree. The first outside sign of damage will be small holes in the bark with white sawdust-like material around the edges. A tree can sustain high amounts of damage on its outer layers so this early infestation will not kill it.
Long-Term Damage
As the termites work their way into the heartwood, they will begin to threaten the tree's life. In long-term infestations the number of termites will often increased to more than 500, or close to the size of an entire colony. Such progression takes anywhere between six months to a year, depending on the climate. If a tree begins losing its color, appearing rotted or falling over all together it could be suffering from a long-term termite infestation.
Colonies
Termite nests or colonies can vary in appearance. Nests are built inside of fallen trees or high up within a tree during the later months of infestation. Constructed of mud, saliva and droppings, the nests often envelope the entirety of a tree top before it becomes rotted and falls to the ground. Termites will use the nest to breed and raise their young, which allows the colony to grow at a faster rate.
Spreading
Termite colonies build a network of passages between the original host tree and neighboring trees. The network can also take in a nearby building. Termites spread at a rapid rate once this process has started.
Risks
If you find termite damage in a tree near your home you should call an exterminator immediately. It can be a matter of saving the tree and preserving your health. According to Termite-I.com, termite damaged trees have fallen onto houses and injured residents.
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