Tree cut down. Resident said termites all over dead tree. Guessing 10 ft from house. Mixed info online about removing wood asap.

contacting pest co, but wanted to hear if any good diy.

Good.

they live all over your yard. That doesn't mean they are in your home.

The Termite companies sell paranoia. I would begin to protect the house however leave the colony where it is, don't give it a reason to move.

Reading up about it, although you get varying opinions, is your best move.....this you know.

I agree with smokogna. Protect your house, garage, wood shed - so they don't eat them when they are done with the wood pile.

I would also have an exterminator come for a free inspection to verify if they are actually termites. If your house, etc. are not already protected, the exterminator can dig a little ditch around the entire perimeter of the building(s) and fill it with liquid Termidor (sp?). Then they cover it back over with dirt. It will soak into the ground and last for many years - as long as it's not disturbed (don't dig and put plants there). No need for expensive bait stations all around the yard or yearly contracts.

I can pay someone to dig assuming termites (once verified)

You can do a quick search on line and then go look at bugs around tree. If they are flying they could winged carpenter ants or winged termites. If the are white in color and crawling around they are subterrainian termites. Termites and carpenter ants love wet rotting wood. Termites eat the wood. Carpenter ants burrow in the wood and nest there. Carpenter ants eat honey due and termites. Carpenter ants have a pinched waste and termites do not. Google for pictures. If your house stays dry (no roof or water leaks) and does not have any rotting wood on it you are probably okay. You can look around the foundation on your home for mud tubes termites use to travel in because it holds moisture. Termites die without water.