With the exception of Antarctica, there are over 3,000 different species of termites existing in the world and they are widely known for their destructive ways. Billions of dollars a year are spent repairing the damage they do among commercial and residential buildings. If you know the signs of termites you can often have them terminated before the infestation and the damage gets out of hand. But the infestation doesn’t always start or end in the building. Many property owners are finding termite infestations in landscaping mulch and trees as well. We at Animal Pest Management would like to discuss termites in the trees and even in the mulch.
Termite Colony Size
If you want to reach, termites are considered beneficial; as they are nature’s way to cleanup dead stumps and fallen trees. Inspecting a tree that is otherwise unhealthy or even dead may prove to be sustaining a colony of termites. They can quickly consume volumes of wood since an established colony can easily reach up to 250,000 members as they eat plants or cellulose matter (wood) to survive. Termites remain active all year long although they seem especially more so in the late spring to mid-summer because the swarmers, or reproductive termites, will leave a well developed colony to start up a new one.
Do Termites Eat Live Trees? What Are the Signs?
Although a few species will consume healthy plants, termites are more prone to eat dead or dying trees. Termites will have left their mark, leaving tiny holes in the wood and wood shavings at the base of the trees. Exceptionally small white eggs, discarded wings, termite carcasses, mud shelter tubes climbing the trunk of the trees are other indicators of termites around the tree. Not only could they destroy your trees, but they can eventually make their way to your structure and begin destroying your home.
Does Mulch Attract Termites?
In addition to being in the trees, termites can be in the mulch. One of the most beneficial mulches used is wood chip mulch. It is ideal for filling the empty space in between shrubs in the gardens and landscapes. The stunning and bright floral and greenery are only amplified with the rich wood chip mulch. Not only is aesthetics a sight to behold, but the woody mulch retains moisture, preventing the surface soil from water evaporation, minimizes weeds, and as the wood mulch decomposes it provides the mineral nutrition your plants need. Many tree trimmers will even provide the wood mulch for free to save on the expense of having to dispose of it. The problem, according to expert entomologists, is that whenever mulch is piled high, the risk of termites increase. Termites are attracted to wood chip mulch layers that are more than two inches deep, especially when the swarmers are looking for new colony nesting areas. It is better to play it safe with wood mulch, even with a thin layer, to keep it away from the walls and foundation of the structure. Termites prefer soft wood and some termites also favor damp wood; which makes wood chip mulch a termite banquet.
Termite Inspections, Control & Removal in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
If you suspect termites or utilize wood mulch and want to make certain that there are no termites present, call Animal Pest Management and let our experts inspect your home, landscaping or mulch for termites. If any are discovered our specialists can put into quick action effective methods that can efficiently destroy the colony or colonies.
