For the contracting and consulting Arborist inspecting and advising clients on trees with suspected termite nests is common place, especially in the warmer parts of Australia where the most destructive species are found. Termites (White Ants) are social insects living together in large colonies with an organised social structure, each termite caste performing a particular function. Some species can be found living in colonies of a million or more individuals. The natural predators of termites include lizards, spiders, birds, ants and other insects, numbats and echidnas.
The termite nest may be built on a tree, as a mound above ground, underground or in the base of a tree, depending on the particular species of termite. The food of termites includes wood and vegetable material such as grasses and plant debris.
Those species which feed on wood can digest cellulose with the aid of protozoan or bacterial micro-organisms in their gut tissue. Several species of termites can cause considerable damage to the wooden parts of buildings, fences, railway sleepers and to most living trees.
But just because your tree has been affected by an active termite nest doesn’t necessarily mean that the tree should be condemned and removed. Pest controllers can eradicate a termite nest by using arsenic dust treatment. Fine arsenious trioxide powder is blown into the workings of the nest which will kill the termites.
Once eradicated, a tree that has been affected by termite attack may remain viable for many years to come, thus the identification and treatment of termite activity can facilitate the retention of valuable tree assets throughout the urban environment.
If you suspect, you have a tree that has termites contact Brisbane Tree Experts and arrange for one of our consulting arborists to take a look and advise of a suitable treatment plan that may assist in the long term and sustainable retention of your trees.
