Do termites kill trees?

TrevMcRev · 29th September 2011, 09:55 PM

All i know is the little pricks are eating my house as we speak!

Done it · 29th September 2011, 11:51 PM

They'll do that.

I've seen them eat whole houses except for the lead paint, only thing left holding them up.

Brent Ferris · 30th September 2011, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jane_Whitt

Termites do not kill trees
Although termites are known to feed on dead or diseased trees and eating out of cellulose from trees, not known to kill healthy trees. Their visible presence in dead or dying trees, does not indicate a causal relationship with his presence that leads to dysfunction of the trees. In any case, this relationship is going in the opposite direction.
Termites are very unlikely to ever be seen in the healthy trees unless no other food supply is readily available most preferable. Therefore detect termites in a tree is overwhelming evidence that the tree already had major problems to begin with. It is impossible to say that a termite has never eaten live wood, but their diet consists mostly of dead wood rather than living wood.

Is this because there is something in the live wood they cannot digest, or they cannot cope with the sap?

I would think there should be a parasite for the Great Northern Termite to slow it down - any work been done on this?

Great link for info on insect pests, Eric!!!

TrevMcRev · 1st October 2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Done it

They'll do that.

I've seen them eat whole houses except for the lead paint, only thing left holding them up.

Yep.

Interesting that in doing some research i found that one of the major 2 termite control treatments, Bayer Premise 200SC is identical to Bayer Confidor 200SC.

If you check out the rates for the label of the Premise you'll realise the termite guys you pay to treat your house use about $100 of chemical and the other $3000 is to go under your house and squirt it around.

Eric Frei · 2nd October 2011, 03:36 PM

The pest control industry has been ripping it into customers for years, a licence to print money.

Glen Poulton · 28th November 2011, 07:24 AM

YES!! Termites kill trees. I've actually found them living in the root systems of cypress pines. Not only do they kill trees, but they churn the wood from the centre until it becomes a nest not dissimilar to a termite mound.

George Valentine · 28th November 2011, 01:26 PM

Another old thread that got my attention..!

I voted yes, and I certainly believe they are the cause of many trees death, every day...!

I've been in all States of this country and I'm well aware of the Darwin "Jumbos" termites, some of the worth places on earth, I believe, for flees, ticks (including the blue tick) and termites and that is a large part of central Queensland so called Outback...!

I don't have problems with flees and ticks here but I have my fair share of problems caused by termites.

I have one example that I was involved with in June 2010 that exemplifies how smart these creatures are and the extent they go through to void detection, particularly the nest location.

I don't want to repeat the hole story here so, is a lot easier to link you with the place where I wrote a very small story about this tree/wood, and many others...!Closed Old Australian Pear tree wood...! - International Association of Penturners

I have many more pics and they have been shared all over the place and in many other threads where the termites or old pear tree comes into discussion.

I have also told the full story but again, is all fragmented in many other places/threads. most of them, not started by me, which makes near impossible to remember where they all are...!

What I can tell is that, for years Council guys (for the trees owned by council, next/around this property) have have inspections and all sorts of people trying to find this damn nest, without success. Trees as far as 200 meters kept getting infested by termites, some quite visible with their mud trails on the trees, including the Tasmanian Blue Gum that I was there to remove, in the first place, as it had great size for some large bowl blanks that I wanted to turn out of it...!

The property owner have had 5 other trees cut due to termite damage/infestation, in previous years, termite traps everywhere but new trees kept being affected every year. I got very suspicious of this situation and while in the yard I looked around and I could see that any tree that was planted in a certain vicinity of this "glorious" old Pear tree, as either been removed or has plenty of signs of termites (such as the tree I was cutting, about 40 yards form the pear tree).

After I got the usable wood in my trailer, I asked permission to the land owner to have a closer look at that tree and possibly drill a small hole into it. He obvious didn't understand what I was getting at, so I told him of my suspicions. He quickly agreed and request his presence when I would come back with some gear/tools...!

Next day I was back there and the very first thing I done was to get my 1" round steal rod, specially made to go on dirt/tree bases and feel my way trough first and then put my telescopic flexible camera into it and have a look.
At the angle I inserted the 1" rod, to penetrate slightly under the tree's root ball, within a few inches (less than 1'), I felt and easier entry/pressure and anyone that done this things, is a damn good feeling, mainly when you are looking for these nasty nests or root rot...!

A little water down the rods edge while making my way through, after I knew that was something there, so that the dirt would slightly compact and stabilize for the camera, which is only 14mm diameter with 2 strong bright white led lights, one on each side. Well, it didn't take long to see the creatures getting busy, trying to close/repair the hole/disturbed area.

They were small but geezzz, they were busy and fast...!

The question was, are they all under the root ball (nest) or they have infiltrated the tree. To find the answer and to allow the owner to make a decision or should I say, to have enough reasons to require the removal of that tree due to damage and destruction of that termite nest, I drilled 3 holes one on each major trunks of this tree, about 1 meter high and again, I didn't need the camera to tell me what was there as I could feel the drill going in without any pressure, a couple of inches from the tree's outer skin.

The rest is history and lots of work to remove all the effect wood, still full of termites in all the logs/sections of the tree, right up to half way to the canopy, in some larger branches...!
The strange thing was that, only the very tinny termites were found in the tree, above ground level and, if I wouldn't know any better using a terminology that is certainly not part of the tree world vocabulary, I would say that, the tree was the termites Temple and schooling grounds, where the young termites would be send up the tree to learn you to chew the wood, making sure that they wouldn't eat much each and certainly not get near the edges of the wood as that would expose their presence and location...!

There was a tremendous personal attachment to this tree by all those living in that place/house/property, particularly the 3 kids that grown up around and on top of that tree as they preferred climbing spot. The older 2 are married and have kids on they own, but was a teenage girl, the youngest one that did cry her eyes out when she was told that her preferred tree in the world, had to come down...!

As always in these circumstances (and I get them all the time...!), I promise some turned pieces from the wood of the tree in question and only recently the wood was dry enough for me to finish a few items for everyone in the family, from pens to bowls, platter, vases, etc., everyone from that household got a present to remember a tree they so much loved...!

There are also some additional good news from the owner of this place, as council wanted the root grind off after the Pest Control people have exterminated the termites nest but I advised that, when I had cut the base of the tree I notice a area/edge of the stump where the wood wasn't affected/eaten by the termites, therefore, is was a slight possibility the the tree would shoot again and develop a few "leader's" that would allow selection for a new tree growing from it/them if multiple leaders are left...!

I also suggested to fill the hole on the stump/root with some mild fertiliser and top it up with water, which he did and a year from when I took that tree away, he called me to have a look at all the shoots that were coming from that side of the stump as I suggested/pointed out. It was a great surprise for everyone, including me as that old pear tree root, is not done yet so, I also suggested to leave it alone for another year, and that I would return in 2012 for a selection of what shoots are going to stay and those that have to go...!

It gives me great satisfaction when, I get involved with these type of situations and results, unfortunately, my health and physical conditions aren't allowing me to do much in our days...!

Cheers
George

Glen Poulton · 29th November 2011, 07:42 PM

Have just uploaded some termite pictures in an album on my profile. Check them out if your keen.

treemonk · 12th December 2011, 09:15 PM

no would you build your home in a tree that you were going to kill?

sun64 · 13th December 2011, 08:34 AM

no would you build your home in a tree that you were going to kill?
29th November 2011 07:12 PM
They usually have nests in the ground and eat the trees, not use them as a home as such. Just because they are in a tree dose'nt mean that is their home.
I had an email sent to me a few years ago from South Africa if I have it correct where they pumped this special type cement down an ant colony in the ground. I think they went and dug ap about 2 to 3 acres of soil around and around 15 feet deep. It showed them the intricate nature of the colony.
Wish I still had the email photos, was amazing.
They recon they had hospital type chambers, breeding chambers, living type chambers if I remember correctly.
It was unearthed by some scientists over there studing them.
So I dont thing they use trees as houses permanetly but I believe in the wet season up here with soo much rainfall that they will start eating a tree to get out of the wet soil.
Regards sun64

View Poll Results: Do termites kill trees?
Yes	45	38.46%
No	72	61.54%
Voters: 117. You may not vote on this poll

29th September 2011, 09:55 PM	#91
TrevMcRev Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,594	Re: Do termites kill trees? All i know is the little pricks are eating my house as we speak!

29th September 2011, 11:51 PM	#92
Done it Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Australia. Posts: 780	Re: Do termites kill trees? They'll do that. I've seen them eat whole houses except for the lead paint, only thing left holding them up.

2nd October 2011, 03:36 PM	#95
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Do termites kill trees? The pest control industry has been ripping it into customers for years, a licence to print money. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

28th November 2011, 07:24 AM	#96
Glen Poulton Sappling Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tara. Qld. Australia. Posts: 29	Re: Do termites kill trees? YES!! Termites kill trees. I've actually found them living in the root systems of cypress pines. Not only do they kill trees, but they churn the wood from the centre until it becomes a nest not dissimilar to a termite mound.

28th November 2011, 01:26 PM	#97
George Valentine Former Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Australia - SA Adelaide Hills Posts: 185	Re: Do termites kill trees? Another old thread that got my attention..! I voted yes, and I certainly believe they are the cause of many trees death, every day...! I've been in all States of this country and I'm well aware of the Darwin "Jumbos" termites, some of the worth places on earth, I believe, for flees, ticks (including the blue tick) and termites and that is a large part of central Queensland so called Outback...! I don't have problems with flees and ticks here but I have my fair share of problems caused by termites. I have one example that I was involved with in June 2010 that exemplifies how smart these creatures are and the extent they go through to void detection, particularly the nest location. I don't want to repeat the hole story here so, is a lot easier to link you with the place where I wrote a very small story about this tree/wood, and many others...!Closed Old Australian Pear tree wood...! - International Association of Penturners I have many more pics and they have been shared all over the place and in many other threads where the termites or old pear tree comes into discussion. I have also told the full story but again, is all fragmented in many other places/threads. most of them, not started by me, which makes near impossible to remember where they all are...! What I can tell is that, for years Council guys (for the trees owned by council, next/around this property) have have inspections and all sorts of people trying to find this damn nest, without success. Trees as far as 200 meters kept getting infested by termites, some quite visible with their mud trails on the trees, including the Tasmanian Blue Gum that I was there to remove, in the first place, as it had great size for some large bowl blanks that I wanted to turn out of it...! The property owner have had 5 other trees cut due to termite damage/infestation, in previous years, termite traps everywhere but new trees kept being affected every year. I got very suspicious of this situation and while in the yard I looked around and I could see that any tree that was planted in a certain vicinity of this "glorious" old Pear tree, as either been removed or has plenty of signs of termites (such as the tree I was cutting, about 40 yards form the pear tree). After I got the usable wood in my trailer, I asked permission to the land owner to have a closer look at that tree and possibly drill a small hole into it. He obvious didn't understand what I was getting at, so I told him of my suspicions. He quickly agreed and request his presence when I would come back with some gear/tools...! Next day I was back there and the very first thing I done was to get my 1" round steal rod, specially made to go on dirt/tree bases and feel my way trough first and then put my telescopic flexible camera into it and have a look. At the angle I inserted the 1" rod, to penetrate slightly under the tree's root ball, within a few inches (less than 1'), I felt and easier entry/pressure and anyone that done this things, is a damn good feeling, mainly when you are looking for these nasty nests or root rot...! A little water down the rods edge while making my way through, after I knew that was something there, so that the dirt would slightly compact and stabilize for the camera, which is only 14mm diameter with 2 strong bright white led lights, one on each side. Well, it didn't take long to see the creatures getting busy, trying to close/repair the hole/disturbed area. They were small but geezzz, they were busy and fast...! The question was, are they all under the root ball (nest) or they have infiltrated the tree. To find the answer and to allow the owner to make a decision or should I say, to have enough reasons to require the removal of that tree due to damage and destruction of that termite nest, I drilled 3 holes one on each major trunks of this tree, about 1 meter high and again, I didn't need the camera to tell me what was there as I could feel the drill going in without any pressure, a couple of inches from the tree's outer skin. The rest is history and lots of work to remove all the effect wood, still full of termites in all the logs/sections of the tree, right up to half way to the canopy, in some larger branches...! The strange thing was that, only the very tinny termites were found in the tree, above ground level and, if I wouldn't know any better using a terminology that is certainly not part of the tree world vocabulary, I would say that, the tree was the termites Temple and schooling grounds, where the young termites would be send up the tree to learn you to chew the wood, making sure that they wouldn't eat much each and certainly not get near the edges of the wood as that would expose their presence and location...! There was a tremendous personal attachment to this tree by all those living in that place/house/property, particularly the 3 kids that grown up around and on top of that tree as they preferred climbing spot. The older 2 are married and have kids on they own, but was a teenage girl, the youngest one that did cry her eyes out when she was told that her preferred tree in the world, had to come down...! As always in these circumstances (and I get them all the time...!), I promise some turned pieces from the wood of the tree in question and only recently the wood was dry enough for me to finish a few items for everyone in the family, from pens to bowls, platter, vases, etc., everyone from that household got a present to remember a tree they so much loved...! There are also some additional good news from the owner of this place, as council wanted the root grind off after the Pest Control people have exterminated the termites nest but I advised that, when I had cut the base of the tree I notice a area/edge of the stump where the wood wasn't affected/eaten by the termites, therefore, is was a slight possibility the the tree would shoot again and develop a few "leader's" that would allow selection for a new tree growing from it/them if multiple leaders are left...! I also suggested to fill the hole on the stump/root with some mild fertiliser and top it up with water, which he did and a year from when I took that tree away, he called me to have a look at all the shoots that were coming from that side of the stump as I suggested/pointed out. It was a great surprise for everyone, including me as that old pear tree root, is not done yet so, I also suggested to leave it alone for another year, and that I would return in 2012 for a selection of what shoots are going to stay and those that have to go...! It gives me great satisfaction when, I get involved with these type of situations and results, unfortunately, my health and physical conditions aren't allowing me to do much in our days...! Cheers George Attached Thumbnails Last edited by George Valentine; 29th November 2011 at 12:05 AM.

29th November 2011, 07:42 PM	#98
Glen Poulton Sappling Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Tara. Qld. Australia. Posts: 29	Re: Do termites kill trees? Have just uploaded some termite pictures in an album on my profile. Check them out if your keen.

12th December 2011, 09:15 PM	#99
treemonk I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Brisbane Posts: 3	Re: Do termites kill trees? no would you build your home in a tree that you were going to kill?

13th December 2011, 08:34 AM	#100
sun64 Sappling Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Darwin Posts: 31	Re: Do termites kill trees? no would you build your home in a tree that you were going to kill? 29th November 2011 07:12 PM They usually have nests in the ground and eat the trees, not use them as a home as such. Just because they are in a tree dose'nt mean that is their home. I had an email sent to me a few years ago from South Africa if I have it correct where they pumped this special type cement down an ant colony in the ground. I think they went and dug ap about 2 to 3 acres of soil around and around 15 feet deep. It showed them the intricate nature of the colony. Wish I still had the email photos, was amazing. They recon they had hospital type chambers, breeding chambers, living type chambers if I remember correctly. It was unearthed by some scientists over there studing them. So I dont thing they use trees as houses permanetly but I believe in the wet season up here with soo much rainfall that they will start eating a tree to get out of the wet soil. Regards sun64

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