Termites in Trees

The most basic question is what are termites? Well, termite is a group of small eusocial insects that are fed on dead plant materials, mostly on woods, leaf litter, animal dung, soil, etc. There are 4000 and more species of the termites present and amongst them, more than 10% species are supposed to be very significant as natural pests that can cause serious damage to the plants, shrubs, woods, forests, furniture articles and building. But, to one's surprise, the recycling of wood that they do is supposedly very significant for the ecology.

Termites are generally grouped as per their eating behavior and diet. Hence, general grouping of termites can be as subterranean, dry-wood, soil feeding, grass eating and termites in trees. Termites perform an important function of breaking down the dead wood from the trees. They play a vital role in the ecological cycle as they create hollows in the woods that become useful as shelters for the birds. But if there are excessive termites that are near the house, it can really cause a lot of trouble as there is always a risk that they might enter the house and damage the furniture. Hence, it is important to detect the signs of termites in the trees.

Signs of Termites in Trees
There are a few signs that can define the existence of termites in the trees. There are several documented cases of termite attack across more than 11 coastal states of the US. They are hard to destruct and hence, it is always best to tackle the problem of termites before it enters your houses.

• Termites in tree always build a tube like structure by using mud and dirt. They do this in order to protect themselves from the predators. To find out if there are termites in the trees, look near the trunk of the trees for the termite houses that are somewhat pencil like and brown in color.
• Always remember that if there are termites, then there are chances that you might even trace several live termites on or around the trees. Look for the live termites in trees, it's the best way to find signs of termites.
• As a sign of infestation, termites always swarm. This way they are very easy to miss. Moreover, termites use swarm castles to exit from the trees, that looks like mud sticking on the outer sides of the tree trunks.

It is often observed that termites never invade trees that are healthy, they prefer trees that can provide them with enough food. Hence, look for the trees that are not much healthy and you will surely find signs of termite in such trees. Now, what are the required things for getting rid of termites?

How to Kill Termites in Trees
Termite in trees that are untreated with proper pest control, can actually kill the trees. They live in troops, the termite queen lays more than a hundred eggs a day, which actually make rapid devastation of the tree. Chemicals are the most lethal weapons that we can be used to treat termites. But, its best not to treat termites in fruit trees by the chemicals. Termites in fruit trees can be treated by using other biological fertilizers that are easy on the environment too. Here are several ways for getting rid of termites.

• There are several standard termite killers available in the home improvement stores that can be very effective. All you have to do is to follow the instructions on the label.
• Spray 3 to 4 feet radius around the trunk of the tree. Make sure you saturate the area around the tree with the spray for best results.
• There are several termite bait traps available too, place these traps on all sides of the tree that is infected by termites.
• If you don't want to use chemicals to kill the termites, then make sure you use any of the organic fertilizers. You can break down the termite mound and find out the queen and provide them with an alternative food source.

You can also ask an expert professional who has knowledge of the correct technique about how to treat termites in trees, and relax.