Have a pest problem? Save $75 on your first recurring service today with code 75OFF

Are round holes in tree from termites?

Question: I have a maple tree in my backyard, which my dogs have been digging at the base of for a while. Recently I noticed that about two feet from the base, going up the base of the tree it is wet. There are perfectly round holes that look like they have been drilled into the base of the tree. I am told that the moisture is just the water seeping out of the tree! Is it termites? Should I cut it down? Will it spread?

Answer: I'm not sure what it is you found on the tree roots (possibly beetles)— but you don't have termites. Native and Eastern subterranean termites do not typically infest live trees. Regardless, termites do not make round holes on the damaged wood. It could be some bark beetles (subfamily Scolytinae), and what you perceive as water flowing from the holes may be sap from the tree. This is a typical sign of infestation. The exit holes left by these beetles will resemble holes created by shotgun shot. A tree expert might be able to give you more information. You could also contact your local Department of Agriculture for some additional help in locating an arborist.

An Orkin Pro inspecting the windows in a customer's home

Think you might have termites in your home? Schedule an appointment to get a free termite inspection.

More About Termites

Can Certain Termite Treatments Damage My Home?

Can You Spray for Termites?

Concrete Slab Termite Control

Do Termites Feed on Treated Wood?

Financing Termite Control Services

Ask Orkin

Get More Answers from Orkin

How do I get rid of tiny red bugs in my bathroom?

Q

I looked online, and it sounds like they are chiggers. If this is what they are, is there something that can be done?

How do I get roaches out of my car?

Q

How do I get roaches out of my car?

How do I kill house lizards?

Q

How do I kill house lizards?

How to Identify Voles vs. Moles | Rodent Control

Q

Moles and voles are both rodents but differ in appearance and behavior. Learn how to identify voles vs. moles and get rid of them with help from an Orkin Pro.

Bird Mite Removal Questions: Bird Mites in Laundry Room

Q

Bird mites in laundry rooms. Orkin answers your bird mite removal questions. Get infestation help today. Call for services available in your area.

Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?

Q

Could it be ants instead of termites causing the damage?

Long, brown, hard shell bug that jumps

Carpenter Ant Infestation in the House

Q

Large carpenter ant infestations can cause structural damage to your home. Make sure your home is protected from carpenter ants with Orkin.

How do you get rid of fleas in home?

Q

Our house is infested with fleas. What does Orkin do to get rid of them? Is there anything we have to do in preparation for your treatment?

Spraying for bed bugs did not work

Q

If the neighboring unit has bed bugs, am I looking at being sprayed every three months?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

CUSTOMER CARE

My AccountPay BillFind My BranchContact UsProduct Labels

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now