termites

Half of the botto side of my pear tree is either rotten or has been eaten by insects (termites). The pear tree is about 15 years old. How can tell if due to termites or if due to age? If termites, do I need to treat the tree /termites before I cut the tree down?

A windstorm blew down a tree that had been weakened by termites. The chickens enjoyed extra protein as I split the rounds bucked up by a friend. I figured that once cut up the termite nest will dry and die. In the meantime I don't want to stack the wood near my house or shop -- just in case...

Are most of you fellas using a heat cycle on the lumber and slabs before the projects begin or are there other options these days? I saw one guy use a salt/boric acid mixture rolled on the wet slabs but, I'm not sure if that replaces the heat cycle.