Why would you leave a tree stump in your yard?

BrianTree Stump Termites, Video

We found termites in a tree stump in Brisbane.

We came across some active termites in a large stump in our customers’ yard. The stump had been there for quite some time. Upon close inspection we uncovered some bark and the termites begin to scurry. Termites love cellulose and tree stumps provide a steady supply. It is nature in action, termites are just doing their job which is to break down dead matter to enable the return of organic material to the earth. Pest controllers usually suggest removing potential nest sites in your yard. ie tree stumps, old timber, etc.

Some Termite Species

Termites are social insects and build communal nests. There are a few termite species, such as coptotermes acinaciformis and coptotermes frenchi often found in trees and tree stumps of trees. They can also be found in old landscaping sleepers left in the soil. The termite species schedorhinotermes intermedius is can also be found in trees and stumps. Especially when the stumps are covered by soil. In termite colonies which make mounds such as nasutitermes exitiosus, the nest area is more easily located as it is mostly in the central area of the mounded structure. Termites are able to attack timber in the ground and buildings by making an underground network of galleries or highways from the nest to the food sources. This is the problem with leaving a tree stump in your yard.

Tree stumps can have termite nests
Termite hazards around the home

In conclusion, we have tried to illustrate the potential hazards of leaving tree stumps and old timber against the house. Rotting fences and even tree mulch against your home can be a problem. Leaking plumbing is another important issue to minimize. Importantly, there are many more problems to look out for to minimise termite impact. Take a look around your yard and notice any potential hazards. Termites are only doing the job they were born to do. Which is to eat wood, get cellulose, starches and sugars from the sapwood (outer wood) of trees. Termites can also eat any wooden structures, including stumps, logs and human constructions.