Hollow Area Under Large Oak Tree: Insect Decay, Not Animal Digging

Large oak has dug-out area at base; hollow far up inside. Homeowner reached in (dangerous!). Asks what animal digs from bottom up.

Expert Assessment

Likely not animal digging. Oaks commonly develop hollows from insect decay (carpenter ants, termites, beetles). Animals may later use existing cavity.

Safety First

Never put hand in hole blindly! Risk of bites, stings, structural collapse.

Next Steps

1. Use ICWDM resources to identify damage cause
2. Consult certified arborist for tree structural assessment
3. If animal confirmed, then consider exclusion