It’s easy to miss the signs of termites in trees until the damage is already done. Most homeowners only schedule tree services in Lakewood, CO, when they spot something odd with their trees, and they’re often surprised to learn that termites are to blame.
Learning to spot the signs of termites in trees helps protect your landscape and your house. Here’s what you should watch for.
Tiny Pests Can Cause Big Problems in Lakewood Trees
Many people think Colorado’s cold winters keep termites away, but that’s not the case.
Subterranean termites, the most common type in local trees, survive winter by burrowing below the frost line. They resurface when the ground warms, ready to feast on anything. Older, stressed, or damaged trees are especially appealing because their wood is softer and easier to colonize.
The insects create structural problems that weaken the tree and can eventually kill it. Worse, once termites establish themselves in a tree, they can tunnel through roots and work their way toward your house.
Clues Hide in Plain Sight
Common symptoms of termite infestation in trees aren’t always dramatic. A tree can look healthy on the outside while its interior becomes unstable.
Catching signs of termite damage in trees often means noticing subtle changes. Trees that suddenly lean or lose leaves and branches may have internal damage from pests.
One trick for identifying termites in trees is to look for mud tubes. These pencil-thin tunnels run along bark and roots, protecting termites from the open air as they travel. Spotting one strongly indicates subterranean termite activity.
Hollow-sounding wood is another common symptom of termite infestation in trees. Termites eat from the inside out, leaving a thin shell of bark while hollowing out the interior.
Frass is yet another sign to watch for. Termites push waste and damaged wood particles out of their tunnels as they feed, creating small piles of wood-colored pellets or sawdust around a tree’s base.
You may also spot flying termites during the warmer months, especially after a rainstorm passes through. In spring, reproductive termites with wings emerge in large numbers to start new colonies. Finding discarded wings near a tree’s base or on a nearby windowsill means a swarm happened recently and is one of the biggest warning signs of termite activity in tree trunks.
When To Call a Professional Tree Care Company
Pest control experts can get rid of the termites, but what happens to the tree is a different issue. A tree weakened by termites can be unpredictable. Even after treatment, an arborist should assess whether the tree has a chance of recovering or whether the damage is so severe that removal is the safest option.
If you notice any signs of termites in trees, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Some termite issues look very similar to signs of a dead tree, making professional evaluation especially important. For help, contact Bear Creek Tree Service at (720) 299-1409.