Living in the Valley of the Sun means enjoying beautiful weather and the thriving desert landscapes, but it also means sharing your space with termites. While many people associate these wood-eating insects with damage to homes, termites on trees can be just as destructive.
If you’ve noticed mud tubes on the trees around your yard or fallen branches, you could be dealing with a termite infestation.
Why Termites Attack Trees in Phoenix
Phoenix’s warm, dry climate may not seem ideal for termites, but subterranean termites—especially Formosan subterranean termites—are highly adaptable. These termite species live in the soil, where they build extensive termite colonies and create shelter tubes that reach up into tree trunks, roots, and even fallen trees or tree stumps. Once they find dead wood or areas with moisture, they begin feeding on the cellulose within, slowly hollowing out the tree.
Wood decay caused by moisture problems can attract termites, especially those species that prefer decayed wood. Over time, this termite activity weakens the structure, leading to dying trees, fallen branches, or even damage to nearby wood structures like fences, decks, and sheds. Formosan termites are particularly aggressive in infesting both live and dead trees, and their nests can be found deep within the tree or underground.
Signs of Termites in Trees
Spotting termites in a tree early can make all the difference. Here are a few telltale signs Phoenix homeowners should watch for:
- Mud tubes climbing up the tree base or beneath the bark
- Small holes or frass (wood dust) along the tree trunk
- Swarming termites near live trees after rainfall
- Hollow or soft wood when tapped
- Fallen trees or branches with visible termite damage
If you notice any of these signs, your yard could already host an infested tree, and that puts your home’s foundation at risk. Termites can easily travel from nearby trees to your house, creating a new termite colony under your property.
Common Termite Species Found in Phoenix
In the Phoenix pest and termite control industry, accurate identification of termite species is essential. The most common culprits in Arizona include:
- Subterranean termites, which live underground and build mud tubes to reach food sources.
- Formosan subterranean termites, a highly destructive, invasive species and an aggressive termite species known for large termite infestations and rapid damage.
- Drywood termites can infest live trees, fallen branches, and even treated wood used in structures.
Each termite species requires a different termite treatment, so accurate identification by a licensed professional is crucial.
How to Treat Termites on Trees
Professional termite control starts with a thorough inspection of your property. A trained technician will check the soil, roots, and tree trunks in your yard for live termites, mud tubes, and subterranean termite infestations.
Depending on the situation, treatment may include:
- Applying a liquid termiticide around the base of affected trees to kill termites in the soil. (The effectiveness of soil-applied treatments can depend on the soil type and the condition of the soil around the tree.)
- Installing bait stations that attract and eliminate termite colonies. Baiting is an effective method that uses baits containing an active ingredient to target the entire colony.
- Using beneficial nematodes or other natural active ingredients that target termite nests. These treatments can help rid your trees of termites by targeting the nest and disrupting the colony.
After treatment, it’s important to continue monitoring for any new termite activity, especially in trees, fallen branches, or old tree stumps.
Ongoing Monitoring for Termite Activity
Ongoing monitoring is a crucial part of effective termite control, especially for Phoenix homeowners with nearby trees or areas of high moisture in their landscape. Termite infestations can develop quickly and often go unnoticed until significant termite damage has occurred to wood structures, live trees, or even your home’s foundation. Regular inspections help catch early signs of termite activity, giving you the best chance to kill termites before they can establish a large termite colony.
Certain termite species, such as Formosan subterranean termites, are particularly aggressive and can infest live trees, attacking the tree trunk and roots from the inside out. Subterranean termite infestations are especially tricky to spot, as these termites eat wood internally, leaving only a thin outer layer. This makes it essential to continue monitoring for subtle signs of infestation, especially during the spring and summer months when swarming termites are most active.
Protecting Your Home and Landscape
Because termites eat anything made of wood or cellulose, they can easily spread from plants and trees to your house, and can also invade your garden and lawn.
Keep your yard free of dead wood, remove tree stumps, and avoid stacking firewood near your home’s foundation. Good gardening practices, such as reducing excess moisture and organic matter, help make your garden and lawn less attractive to termites. Regular professional inspection from a trusted pest control company like Bill’s Pest & Termite Control is essential for early detection and prevention.
Partner with Phoenix’s Termite Experts
For over 30 years, Bill’s Pest Control has helped homeowners throughout Metropolitan Phoenix protect their homes, lawns, and landscapes from termites and other pests. Whether you’re dealing with termites on trees or a full termite infestation, our experienced technicians provide safe, effective solutions tailored to Arizona’s unique environment.
