Termite inspired or use of Termites?

[thumblessprimate1]

I'm not ready to create any complicated deadwood, but wondered do people sometimes use termites or techniques to mimic the work of termites on deadwood? I love the look of it. These are pictures I took of a false cypress with deadwood and termite influence.

 

[Cypress]

Oh god, the thought of unleashing a nest of termites into my tree collection is a little unnerving. Hahaha. Cool pics though, and I've always found the trails they leave behind quite interesting. Would be pretty cool to see someone carve to mimic that.

 

[Poink88]

Not termite but this is a work of carpenter ants. I can't keep them home though so got eradicated fast.

from this thread... http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?15110-Collected-Pyracantha-1

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Well...in some countries, people don't use any wood in the construction of their homes or furniture. Wood is more expensive. But anyways, just thought it's a cool feature if someone could use 'em.

 

[fviljoen963]

Those cypress trees... its not termites that did that..
Its wood worms and borers. They chew their way through living underneath the bark, backfilling the tunnel with the digested pulp, when the dead bark falls off the backfill falls out

 

[Poink88]

Those cypress trees... its not termites that did that..
Its wood worms and borers. They chew their way through living underneath the bark, backfilling the tunnel with the digested pulp, when the dead bark falls off the backfill falls out

I agree.

BTW, I know someone in Asia who planted his bonsai on termite infested area to let the termite work on his tree. It is a Filipino and the tree is a nice Phemphis Acidula at that.

I do not have the courage to do that...too many unknowns.

 

[thumblessprimate1]

Those cypress trees... its not termites that did that..
Its wood worms and borers. They chew their way through living underneath the bark, backfilling the tunnel with the digested pulp, when the dead bark falls off the backfill falls out

Interesting. Thanks. If it were my tree, I'd start the pesticide about now. LOL.

I agree.

BTW, I know someone in Asia who planted his bonsai on termite infested area to let the termite work on his tree. It is a Filipino and the tree is a nice Phemphis Acidula at that.

I do not have the courage to do that...too many unknowns.

If you had more trees, you just might not worry too much

 

[Poink88]

If you had more trees, you just might not worry too much

LOL very true but still not a nice Pemphis (or any specimen) for sure. Oh yeah, I drool on those but don't have one.

 

[fviljoen963]

Ive heard of people carving wood (not specifically bonsai) by promoting a fungal growth on wood and then treating certain parts thats gone far enough, but never termites