In most cases, the damage won’t visible on the outside of the tree, so the presence of mud tubes is one of the best indicators. You can also knock on larger branches with your knuckles. If the branches sound hollow, the infestation is pretty advanced. Reproductive subterranean termites have wings and brownish-black bodies. You might see them swarming around the tree in the spring, summer, or fall.
For extra protection, spray 2 ft (61 cm) up the trunk, around nearby trees, and along the perimeter of your yard. You can buy bifenthrin-based insecticides online. Read the instructions carefully and do exactly as they say. This is a strong chemical so wear safety googles, long sleeves, gloves, and a dust mask to apply it. If there’s a pond, stream, or well nearby, don’t use chemical termiticides (you’ll poison the water). [3] X Research source
Non-repellent insecticidal foam is most effective for getting rid of the main nest at the base of the tree. [5] X Research source Wear safety googles, long sleeves, gloves, and a dust mask when applying chemical treatments. If you feel uncomfortable or don’t have experience dealing with termites, hire a professional pest control service or licensed horticultural pest control company to take care of this. [6] X Research source
You can buy beneficial nematodes online or in gardening stores. [8] X Research source Read your product’s instructions for specific measurements. Products containing a mixture of nematodes and fire gel are known to be quite effective. [9] X Research source
You can buy imidacloprid granules online or in home improvement stores. Read the instructions carefully and wear the appropriate safety gear during
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 or foam). If you want to be extra thorough, you can use bait stations as a secondary line of defense after applying chemical treatments. [12] X Research source Buy termite bait stations online or hire a professional to set them up for you. application. [13] X Expert Source Joshua BloomPest Control Specialist Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.
Boric acid is still pretty strong; be sure to wear a mask and goggles when you’re applying it. This isn’t as effective as chemical treatments, but it’s worth a try if you prefer a natural approach. To mix the powdered type, read the package instructions for specific measurements. Boric acid is non-toxic to birds and most wildlife (including aquatic life). Citrus trees can be a bit sensitive to it, though. You may want to try a different approach if you have a citrus tree infestation. [15] X Trustworthy Source National Pesticide Information Center Organization run by Oregon State University providing objective, science-based information about pests and pesticides Go to source
If you don’t destroy the branches with fire right away, the termites will migrate to a nearby tree and set up shop there. Don’t try to recycle the wood or use the branches as mulch. [17] X Research source If the branches are too big to handle on your own, call a professional to help you deal with the infestation.
You can also call a licensed horticultural pest control company if you have one of those in your area. [21] X Research source
You can figure out if the heartwood is infested by: Tapping on the trunk and branches with a rubber mallet. If it sounds hollow when you tap, there’s a good chance the heartwood is affected. [22] X Research source Drilling holes into the tree to inspect hollow-sounding areas. Use a flashlight to peek inside the hole. If the termites have eaten a lot of the dark central wood already, the tree may be too far gone. If you think you can save it, use these holes to inject a termite foam treatment into affected areas. [23] X Research source Peeling away the bark on the higher branches. If the bark comes off easily and you quickly reach heartwood, the branch is infested. Hiring an arborist to inspect the tree. If you don’t have experience with termites or want absolute confirmation, this is the way to go. [24] X Research source
If your infestations are recurrent, consider planting termite-resistant trees in your yard in the future. [26] X Research source
