Termites are attracted to wood structures of all kinds. They thrive on cellulose, or the contents of dead wood, and can chew furiously through the material in their efforts to stay alive and contribute to the colony. Any type of wood is at risk, including the tree stumps that may litter your yard. Consider hiring a tree service company for professional stump removal if you notice any of these infestation signs.

3 Signs Your Tree Stump Is Infested With Termites

1. Hollow Sound

Wood can become hollow as the termites chew their way through the material from the inside out. To test if your stump is hollow, tap its surface with a hammer. Hollow wood is likely to produce a dull thumping noise if infected. In this case, stump removal is highly recommended as it indicates an ongoing problem.

2. Soft Texture

If you ignore a stump, it could decay, attracting dampwood termites who favor this type of wood. Damaged wood is soft and spongy because the termites have eaten through the material. If it’s easy to drag a screwdriver through the wood, your next step is to inspect it for mud tubes. These tubes are the pathways that subterranean termites use to travel through the stump or drop down to the soil.

3. Visible Frass

Dry- and dampwood termites expel frass, or excrement. Drywood termites produce a material that looks like sawdust, while the dampwood insects leave behind a similar material with larger grains. You may see the frass around or directly on top of the stump. Since both termites can infect your outdoor space, you should conduct regular evaluations of your trees. Dying or decaying growths are appealing to these insects, and you may need to consider complete tree and stump removal.

If you think your tree stumps are infected by termites, contact the team at Ohana Tree Services in Mililani, HI. Since 2009, these licensed and insured professionals have provided Oahu residents and businesses with a range of tree care services to ensure the health and vitality of their land. Learn more about their stump removal services online, or call (808) 520-0186 to schedule an appointment.