How to Kill Termites in a Tree

Termites that attack living trees are called Formosan subterranean termites. They enter the tree at its base and eat their way through the inside from the ground up. If you've recently spotted signs of termite activity around one of your trees, don't panic! In most cases, you can save the tree and get rid of the termites within a few days. In this article, we'll walk you through a variety of options—both natural and chemical—for treating a tree infestation.

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How to Identify Termite Presence in a Tree

dentifying termite infestation in a tree requires careful observation of specific signs. Subterranean termites, the primary culprits behind tree infestations, leave distinct indicators that can help confirm their presence. Here’s how to detect termites in a tree:

1. Presence of Mud Tubes

Mud tubes are one of the most visible signs of termite activity. These pencil-width structures run along the tree trunk and act as “highways” for termites to travel between the ground and the tree.
The tubes are built to keep termites hydrated and protected from external threats. To confirm the infestation, gently break open a section of the mud tube. If termites are active, you’ll see worker and soldier termites inside. Workers are wingless and light brown, while soldiers have distinct body shapes suited for defense.

2. Hollow Sound in Tree Branches

Termites consume the cellulose in wood, often hollowing out the internal structure of tree branches. To check for this, tap larger branches with your knuckles. If the sound is hollow, it indicates significant internal damage, suggesting an advanced infestation.

3. Winged Termites (Swarmers)

Swarmers, or reproductive termites, can be observed around the tree during certain seasons like spring, summer, or fall. These termites have wings and brownish-black bodies and emerge as part of the colony’s reproduction cycle. Their presence near the tree is a clear sign of termite activity.

4. Soft Wood or Penetration Test

Subterranean termites weaken trees by feeding on the cellulose in tender parts of the wood. To test for damage, use a screwdriver or knife to tap near the base of the tree. If the tool easily penetrates the wood, it indicates significant internal damage caused by termites.

5. Visible Damage

Examine the tree closely for external signs of damage. Though termites usually work inside the tree, you might spot visible deterioration or chew marks in advanced cases.

Professional technicians conduct a thorough inspection of the trees to identify the termite species (such as the common Coptotermes formosanus), the location of the termite nest, the extent and severity of the infestation. This helps in formulating a targeted treatment plan.

Use In-ground Termite Bait Stations

Stick the in-ground bait stations 1–2 ft (30–61 cm) from the base. Bait stations attract termites with their favorite food: termite bait. The termite bait is treated with a slow-acting insecticide that the termites carry into their colony. Select baits that are attractive to termites, such as those containing ingredients like hexafluron. According to research, 10% hexafluron bait has a good killing effect on Coptotermes formosanus colonies in trees. Applying 100 – 200g of bait per nest can kill the entire colony within 28 – 42 days.

2-3 evenly-spaced bait stations should do the trick. Put 1 station close to the termite’s entry area at the base. It can take a month (or longer) for bait stations to eradicate a colony, so this isn’t the fastest solution. If your infestation is severe, go with a faster-acting option (like liquid termiticide). If you want to be extra thorough, you can use bait stations as a secondary line of defense after applying chemical treatments.

Use Above-ground Termite Bait Station

To eliminate termites in trees using above-ground bait stations, begin by locating the mud tubes. These tubes indicate active termite infestation. Once identified, clean a small section of the mud tubes and install an above-ground bait station directly on or near the tube. The station contains termite bait infused with a slow-acting termiticide that termites consume and carry back to their colony. Secure the station firmly to ensure termites can easily access it. Regularly inspect the station and replenish the bait as needed. Over time, as termites distribute the toxic bait throughout their colony, the population will decline and eventually collapse. This targeted approach effectively controls termite infestations in trees while minimizing environmental impact and protecting surrounding ecosystems.

Continue monitoring the tree after treatment

Pest control companies should conduct regular follow-up visits within a certain period after treatment to check the effectiveness of termite control and ensure that the termites have been completely eradicated. Provide subsequent maintenance suggestions and services based on the growth of the trees and the long-term needs of termite prevention, such as regular inspections and preventive treatments, to protect the trees from termite infestation in the long term.

Different pest control companies may flexibly use these methods or adopt other appropriate techniques according to their experience, technical means, and specific situations to deal with termite problems in trees. At the same time, it is crucial to follow relevant environmental protection and safety regulations during the treatment process.