Trees (Especially Eyclupus) = Termites

If you have a large Gum Trees near your home, there is a good chance it will be harbouring a termite colony. Here in Australia, this co-existence between termites and trees has been going on for millions and millions of years.

Trees are a vital part of our ecosystem, providing shade, oxygen, and beauty to our surroundings. However, like any living organism, trees are susceptible to various threats, including termite infestations.

Termites can cause severe damage to trees, compromising their health and structural integrity. In this article, we will explore the signs that indicate the presence of termites in trees, enabling you to take prompt action to protect your arboreal assets and most importantly, your home.

How can I tell there are Termites in a Tree?

Mud Tubes:

One of the most visible signs of a termite infestation in trees is the presence of mud tubes climbing up the bark. Termites construct these tubes from the soil, wood particles, and saliva, forming protective tunnels that connect their nests to their feeding sites.

These tubes, typically brown or muddy in appearance, can be found on the trunk, branches, or roots of infested trees. If you observe these mud tubes, it is a clear indication of termite activity and warrants immediate attention.

Hollowed or Damaged Tree Trunk - the invisible presence:

Most of the time you just won’t know there are termites in your trees as they are chewing the middle of the trunk and not evident on the outside.

Most of a tree trunk is technically deadwood, it’s only the sappy outer rings that are growing and alive. So that leaves most of the trunk susceptible to termites. Termites normally infest the crown of a tree (base) and then venture up the middle eating the deadwood and creating their home.

Once they occupy all the edible centres of a tree, they will build ‘arboreal nests’ on the outside to accommodate the growing colony.

Now to test for termites inside a tree?

The best way to know you have termites in the trunk of a tree is to drill several small holes to see if there is a cavity and to use a borescope device to confirm termite activity. Or, you can insert a thin twig for a minute and then gently pull it out to see if any termites have attached on.

Arboreal Termite Nests:

Once you know what you are looking for, these ‘Arboreal Termite Nests" are an obvious sign there are termites in the tree. These are the large protruding mud constructions that termites build up high on the outside of the tree. They normally take on the colour of the surrounding soil and type of timber.

They are a favourite nesting spot for our native bird life.

Flight Tubes Markings:

Termites have a reproductive cycle where winged individuals, known as swarmers or alates, emerge from the nest to establish new colonies. To assist with the “Flight” of these reproductive termites, Worker termites build an exit-hole high up the tree trunk. It is usually a vertical slit that is about 10 to 15 in length. It is usually most identifiable by the sap that oozes out around the edges.

After mating, these swarmers shed their wings, leaving behind piles of discarded wings near infested trees. If you come across a significant number of wings around the base of a tree, it suggests the presence of termites and the potential establishment of a new colony nearby.

Changes in Tree Appearance:

A termite infestation can cause noticeable changes in the appearance of a tree. Look for signs such as discoloured or wilting foliage, unusual leaf drop, and thinning of the canopy. Termites disrupt the flow of nutrients within the tree, leading to stress and a decline in overall health.

Additionally, you may observe the emergence of fungal growth or mushrooms around the base of the tree, as termites create favourable conditions for fungal growth during their feeding process.

You need to contact an Arboreal specialist to confirm if the poor health of your tree is age, fungal decay or termites. We can confirm if it is termites.

How to treat an Arboreal Termite Nest (if we can reach it) - please read

Trees are beautiful - but they could be harbouring something nasty

Recognizing the signs of a termite infestation in trees is crucial for timely intervention and protecting your valuable arboreal assets. Regular inspection of your trees, particularly those susceptible to termite activity, can help you detect early signs and prevent extensive damage.

If you suspect termite presence, it is advisable to consult with professional arborists or Conquer Termites to provide effective treatment options to safeguard your trees and preserve the beauty and ecological balance of your surroundings.

Remember, acting swiftly can make all the difference in mitigating the potential harm caused by termites.

Interesting information about insurance:

You might want to check your home insurance policy about damage caused by a tree falling onto your or your neighbour’s house. If it is proven that that tree has live termites, there is normally no cover for repairs from your Insurer. Worth checking, and definitely worth getting the trees on your property checked and treated!