- LAST UPDATED: August 16, 2024
Drywood termites are destructive insects that feed on dry wood, causing significant damage to structures and furniture. Recognizing their appearance, behavior, and signs of presence is vital for effective treatment.
These small insects have straight-sided bodies, and discarded wings, fecal pellets, and hollow-sounding wood indicate their presence. Drywood termites can be found worldwide and do not require contact with soil. To manage infestations, professional assistance and treatment options are available. Preventive measures like sealing cracks, storing firewood away, and regular inspections can help prevent infestations.
Taking action promptly and implementing preventive strategies are key to dealing with drywood termites. Read on to learn more about what to do.
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What To Know About Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are a species of termites that infest and feed on dry wood. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not need contact with soil and can thrive solely within wooden structures, furniture, or other dry wood sources. They obtain moisture from the wood they consume and can cause significant damage over time.
The following characteristics of drywood termites are important to know. This helps homeowners identify them and take action to eliminate them properly.
Appearance
Drywood termites are small insects, measuring around ¼ to ½ inches long. They have a creamy or light brown color, straight antennae, a thick waist, and straight-sided oval-shaped bodies. They have six legs and two pairs of wings of equal length. However, the wings of drywood termites are often shed after they swarm, so they may not be visible on individual termites.
Identifying drywood termites by their physical appearance alone can be challenging, and professional inspection may be necessary for accurate identification and effective treatment.
Behavior
Drywood termites are wood-destroying insects that infest and feed on dry, undecayed wood. They create galleries and tunnels within the wood, which can weaken its structure over time. Winged reproductive termites, also known as swarmers or alates, can fly into homes in search of new nesting sites.
Drywood termites are attracted to sources of light and may enter homes through cracks, openings, or other vulnerable areas. Once inside, they can establish new colonies and cause damage to wooden structures. These termites are active year-round, with activity levels influenced by temperature and humidity. They can be active during daylight hours and continue damaging wooden structures over time.
Habitat/Location
Drywood termites primarily inhabit dry and sound wood. They can be found in homes, buildings, attics, roofs, fences, and any other wooden structure where they can access a suitable food source.
Drywood termites infest and establish colonies within wooden structures, including furniture, framing, flooring, doors, and other wooden objects. They can survive and thrive in arid or dry environments, making them well-suited for inhabiting coastal regions, dry climates, and areas with low humidity.
Drywood termites are found in various regions around the world. Some regions where drywood termites are prevalent include parts of North America (such as southern states in the U.S.), Central America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and certain islands in the Pacific. Please note that the specific species of drywood termites may vary depending on the region.
Signs Of Drywood Termite Presence
Signs of their presence include small piles of fecal pellets (resembling sawdust or sand), discarded wings near windowsills or light sources, hollow-sounding wood, and the emergence of swarmers (flying termites) during mating season in late summer and fall. Additionally, visible damage to wooden structures, such as blistering or buckling, may indicate a drywood termite infestation.
Drywood Termite Management (Treatment & Prevention)
Drywood termite activity occurs within the wood, weakening its structure. They can be particularly destructive if left undetected and untreated. Infestations are serious because they pose a threat to structural integrity.
Detecting their presence can be challenging because they are hidden, and untreated infestations can lead to costly repairs. Prompt action and professional pest control assistance are necessary to address the issue effectively and prevent further damage.
Treatment Options
Licensed professionals perform the following treatment options. They will evaluate the infestation and then work with you to provide the most effective way to eliminate drywood termites.
Extermination
Fumigation with specialized chemicals, such as sulfuryl fluoride or methyl bromide, is the most effective method to kill drywood termites instantly. These fumigants penetrate the infested wood, reaching all areas where the termites are present.
Hiring a licensed professional pest control service for proper fumigation is important, as it requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment involves raising the temperature within the infested area to lethal levels for drywood termites. Specialized equipment, such as heaters or infrared devices, is used to distribute heat evenly throughout the space, eliminating termites.
This method is best performed by licensed professionals with the knowledge and equipment to control and monitor the temperature to ensure complete eradication.
Spot Treatment
Spot treatment focuses on treating specific areas of the termite infestation using termiticides or insecticides. Professionals may drill small holes into infested wood and inject the treatment directly into galleries or termite tunnels. The termiticide spreads through the colony, targeting and eliminating the termites.
This method is suitable for localized infestations and may require multiple treatments for effective control.
Tenting
Tenting, also known as structural fumigation, involves covering the entire structure with a large tent or tarpaulin. The enclosed space is then fumigated with a gas to reach all areas and eliminate the termites.
This method is typically used for extensive infestations that affect the entire building. It requires careful preparation, evacuation of occupants, and adherence to safety protocols.
Removal & Replacement
In severe cases where the infestation has caused significant damage, removing and replacing the infested wood may be necessary. This approach involves identifying and removing the affected wood, including structural elements, and replacing it with new termite-resistant materials.
Addressing any underlying issues contributing to the infestation is crucial to prevent future termite problems.
Prevention
Taking preventive measures, such as sealing entry points and conducting regular inspections, can help minimize the risk of drywood termite infestation.
To help prevent drywood termite infestations, implement the following:
- Seal Cracks & Crevices: Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation, walls, and windows to prevent termites from entering. Pay attention to areas where utility lines and pipes enter the structure.
- Store Firewood Away: Keep firewood and any other wooden materials stored away from your home or structure. Store them off the ground, ideally at least 20 feet away, and inspect them for signs of termite activity.
- Treat Exposed Wood: To deter termite infestations, apply appropriate wood treatments or coatings to exposed wooden surfaces, such as decks or fences.
- Regularly Inspect Wooden Structures: Conduct routine inspections of wooden structures, furniture, and other susceptible areas for signs of termite activity. Look for discarded wings, small holes, or sawdust-like droppings known as frass.
- Seek Professional Inspections: Schedule regular termite inspections with a professional pest control company. They can identify early signs of termite activity and recommend preventive measures or treatments.
Key Takeaways
Drywood termites are destructive insects that threaten wooden structures and furniture. Recognizing their appearance, behavior, and signs of presence is crucial for effective treatment.
Professional assistance and various treatment options are available to address infestations. Additionally, implementing preventive measures, such as sealing cracks, storing firewood away, and conducting regular inspections, can help prevent future infestations.
Acting promptly and proactively is essential in effectively managing and protecting against drywood termites.
