If you're debating whether or not to remove an old tree stump from your property, you might want to go ahead and do it. Even if they appear harmless, tree stumps can attract or harbor termites and fire ants that place you or your home in danger. Here are two insects that live in and around your old tree stump and what you can do to make your property safer.

What Types of Insects Live Inside and Around the Stump?

Insects like termites can use your tree stump as a nesting site. The pests can build their nest beneath or around the base of the stump, or they can create tunnels within the stump itself. If the stump lies close to your home or garage, the insects will have easier access to the structure. 

Termites typically swarm in the spring or summer, depending on their species. If they infest your home, the insects may cause substantial damage to the wooden structure, including the frame, walls and roof. If you treat the infestation in your home but don't remove the tree stump, the insects living in the stump may invade your home again in the future.

Unlike termites, which don't bite or sting humans, some types of ants can, including the fire ant. Depending on the species of fire ants around your property, some can be more aggressive than others, including red imported fire ants. Red imported fire ants will attack any intruder that comes to their nesting sites or mounds. One thing to note about imported red fire ants is that they don't create openings on their mounds. They use underground tunnels to enter and exit their nesting sites. If you place your foot near one of the tunnels, the ants may swarm and attack you. 

It's a good idea that you contact a tree specialist and ask them to examine the stump for insects.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Family and Home?

A tree removal contractor can inspect the old stump to see if it requires insect treatment from pest control before the removal. If tree stump has red ants living in and around it, it may be a good idea to treat the pests immediately. Red ants can swarm during the project and attack the contractor and anyone else working in the area. If the stump has termites, pest control may suggest that you remove the stump to solve this issue.

The contractor can grind the stump down, or they can remove it and its root system completely. You may want to remove the entire stump and root system, otherwise insects can return and use them as new nesting sites. Depending on the contractor's methods, they might use a combination of chemicals and physical labor to break down the stump. This is something the contractor will generally discuss when they come to your home. 

For more information, contact Mead Tree & Turf Care Inc or a similar company.