Hi,
My tree trimmer told me that my big Maple (trunk: 3' in diameter) has a termite problem: The trunk is hollow all the way to root, use of spray to control the termite would not go far or deep enough to kill all the termites, and termite may easily get to the house which is only 7.5 feet away. I'm trying to verifing whether the termits can be completely controled or not in this case and find a way to save the tree instead of cutting it but at the same time being able to avoid the termit goes to the house and other trees around.
Could you advise how to do it or guide me to experts for soluations. Your prompt response to this inquiry is appreciated. Thanks.
Ed

Reply to post by Ed Huang, on August 27, 2000 at 10:09:43:

The termites are not a primary problem for the tree. They are living in wood that is already decayed. They will not affect solid structurally sound wood.

Getting into the house is a real concern. The best alternative is a good protection plan around the house, and regular inspections.

Treating the tree will be difficult due to its size. Applying insecticides to open cavities and the soil immediately around the base may help, but is not guaranteed to eliminate the nest. The best alternative is probably a combination of these treatments.

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on August 27, 2000 at 10:09:43:

Don't formosan termites eat everything celulose?

Reply to post by jps, on August 28, 2000 at 23:11:30:

Apparently, the answer is yes, and then some. I have not had personal experience with the Formosan termite, and admit to not having done all my homework. Here's a quote for University of Georgia web site:

***
"Still, no problem facing entomologists, at least in the U.S., may approach that presented by the
Formosan termite, Coptotermes formosanus. It apparently arrived in the country in the
mid-1960s aboard ships from southeast Asia. While most species of termites native to America
feast largely on wood used in buildings or on dead timber, Formosan termites make no such
distinction, cutting through live trees like chain saws.

In New Orleans, for instance, 30 percent of the city's majestic live oaks, which add much to the
city's ambiance, are now infested. Hunter said one cost estimate for control of the pest was
$100,000 per city block per year.

"This species gets my vote for the most important structural pest of the new millennium,"
Hunter said." Judging from recent news stories, the Formosan termite appears determined to
consume the historic French Quarter of New Orleans. These termites destroy creosote-treated
utility poles and wharves, the switch boxes of underground traffic lights, underground
telephone cable, live trees and shrubs and the seals on high pressure water lines."
[http://www.uga.edu/news/news.bureau/releases/releases2K/termites.html]

This means a positive identification of the pest is necessary. If it's formosan termite, probably need to do something quickly, including notify local authorities of its presence.

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on August 31, 2000 at 11:23:54:

Thank God for cold winters! Tho we realy havent had much of that here in Milwaukee, gypsy moth is exploding.....