How Tree Stumps Can Attract Pests and What to Do About It

A leftover stump might look harmless, but it can be a magnet for pests. As the wood rots, it becomes food and shelter for creatures you don’t want near your home.

Pests that love old stumps

• Termites: dead wood is a favourite food source, and a stump close to the house can provide a pathway to timber structures.
• Ants and beetles: they nest in decaying wood.
• Rodents and snakes: hollow stumps and root cavities give them somewhere to hide.
• Fungi: mushrooms and rot spread through the soil and nearby plants.

Warning signs

• Mud tubes or soft, hollow-sounding wood
• Lots of ants or beetles on or around the stump
• Mushrooms or fungus growing from it
• New shoots (suckers) coming from the stump or roots

What to do

The most reliable fix is to remove the food source. Stump grinding takes the stump out below ground level and leaves nothing for pests to feed on. If you’re worried about termites, ask a licensed pest controller to inspect your property as well.

We service homes across Kempsey and the Macleay Valley. Call (02) 5503 9319 for a free quote, or see our tree removal service.