
You might think that termites making a nest in a tree is preferable to having them move into your home, but that isn’t true. Even if termites aren’t eating their way into your buildings yet, it’s only a matter of time. They’ll also put your trees at risk of falling and damaging your roof. Protect your home by learning how to spot mud tubes, termite holes, and other signs of termites in trees.
Do Termites Live in Trees?
Termites are a type of small insect less than half an inch long that consumes wood, soil, or decaying plant material. They are mainly known for the destruction they cause from eating wood.
But are there any species of termites that live in trees?
Formosan Termites
While most species of termites are attracted to dead, dying, or diseased trees, Formosan termites are the biggest threat to live trees. They will build above-ground nests in several species of trees, including oak, pine, ash, and even fruit trees or palm trees.
Formosan termites originated from Hawaii, stowing away on cargo ships, and can now be found in many states across the southern U.S.
Conehead Termites
Another termite species that puts trees at risk is called the conehead termite. Originally called the tree termite, this invasive species is distributed throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America and was introduced to Florida in 2001. At the time of writing, they have been contained and have not spread beyond South Florida.
Conehead termites create nests in trees, shrubs, and open ground. This species behaves similarly to ants, creating above-ground mounds and even foraging in above ground mud tubes, traveling great distances and surviving in most tropical environments.
Signs of Termites in Trees
A thriving colony of termites will eat large quantities of the cellulose found in wood. Termites targeting a tree are usually a sign that the tree is already diseased and unhealthy, and termites eating away the softwood will only make things worse and speed up the tree’s death.
Here are the most common signs that your tree is hosting a colony of termites.
Hollowed Trunk

Termites will tunnel through trees, so a hollowed-out tree trunk is one of the most common signs that your tree is suffering from a termite infestation. This will weaken the tree, putting it at risk of falling over during a storm or in heavy winds.
To check if the tree is hollow, you can drill into it or use a rubber mallet. If the trunk has been hollowed out, there may be a termite problem.
Mud Tubes

Termites like moisture and don’t like to be exposed since it makes them vulnerable to predators and dehydration. Termites will build mud tubes the width of a pencil along the trunk or base of the tree (or on the sides of buildings) to protect themselves when they travel. Sometimes you can find mud tubes higher up the tree in a crevice or where the branches attach to the trunk.
If you find any mud tunnels, leave them alone and have them inspected by a termite control pro. By inspecting an intact mud tube, they can figure out the severity of the infestation.
Swarmers

Termites rarely come out in the open, except when they’re swarming to start a new colony. When the colony is too full or the territory lacks food, the termite queen will produce winged, reproductive termites known as “swarmers.” Swarmers are the only termites that can be exposed to sunlight and are usually active during the spring and summer.
The purpose of these winged termites, which can be mistaken for ants, is to mate and start new colonies. Once they form mated pairs, the swarmers drop to the ground and lose their wings. If you find termite wings around your property, this is a good indicator that termites are present.
Termites will typically swarm on warm days in the spring immediately following a rain shower. During swarming season, Formosan termites will gather on knobbed areas, pruning scars, or open tree wounds where branches have broken off or been pruned.
Termite Holes at the Base of the Tree

Termite damage starts at the base of the tree, so check the surface of the bark near the base for dead spots. If the tree is infested, there may be a large mound of dirt or mud around the tree’s base where the insects have burrowed inside. You may also find termite carcasses around the base of the tree.
You can use a shovel to dig in the dirt or use a screwdriver to probe for hollow spots beneath the bark at the base of the tree. Once you break open these tunnels, you will expose the termite nest inside.
How to Treat Trees for Termites

There are a few methods that homeowners can use to treat a termite-infested tree:
- Prune infested parts of the tree or remove the tree altogether if it’s too far gone.
- Treat the soil in a 3-foot radius around the tree with liquid termiticides to keep termites from entering or exiting the nest.
- Spray termiticides around the perimeter of your lawn and tree tree trunks.
- Place termite bait in termite-infested areas and along the perimeter of your lawn.
- Inject a termite foam treatment into the tree to exterminate the nest.
- Spray nematodes around the base of the tree.
Remember to wear protective equipment, such as long clothing, safety masks, eyewear, and chemical-resistant gloves, when mixing or applying insecticides. Most termite treatments that are recommended use these active ingredients:
- Bifenthrin
- Chlorantraniliprole
- Cypermethrin
- Fipronil
- Imidacloprid
- Permethrin
Termiticides should ideally be used by a pest control pro to ensure they’re safely and effectively applied. DIY termite control may decrease the termite population, but it may not completely eradicate the colony or get to the root of the problem. As a result, you might find yourself with another infestation sooner rather than later.
How to Prevent Termite Damage in the Future
Regularly maintaining your landscape can prevent trees from being infested with termites.
- Check your trees for termite damage at least once a year.
- Regularly remove fallen tree branches.
- Store scrap wood, firewood, or plywood off the ground about 20 feet away from any buildings.
- Remove and burn dead or diseased parts of the tree.
- If you cut down a tree, completely uproot and remove the tree stump and roots.
FAQ About Termites in Trees
When is Termite Season?
Termites are active year round, so termite season has no beginning or end. Swarming season, however, is typically in spring but depending on the type of termite can be anywhere between March and November.
What Trees do Termites Avoid?
Termites tend to avoid these types of trees:
- Redwood
- Yellow cedar
- Laotian teak
- Cypress
How Long Does it Take for Termites to Kill a Tree?
A colony of 60,000 termites can consume 1 foot of wood in five months. Depending on the size and condition of the tree, and the size of the colony, termites can completely kill a tree in as little as a few weeks, or it may take up to a few years.
Hire a Pro
Termites can cause costly damage to your home and landscaping if they aren’t kept in check. Let Pest Gnome connect you with efficient and affordable termite control in your area. Keep your property safe without breaking the bank.
Main Image Credit: Goddard_Photography / Canva Pro / License