Drywood termites are a significant pest that can cause extensive damage to homes and wooden structures. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require contact with the soil and can live entirely within the wood they infest. This makes them particularly challenging to detect and control. In this blog post, we’ll explore the characteristics, signs of infestation, and prevention for drywood termites to help you protect your home from these destructive pests.
What Are Drywood Termites?
- Appearance: Drywood termites are typically light brown to dark brown in color. The reproductive termites (swarmers) have wings and are about 1/2 inch long, while the workers and soldiers are smaller and wingless.
- Colony Structure: Drywood termite colonies are usually smaller than those of subterranean termites, consisting of a few thousand individuals. The colonies live entirely within the wood, with no connection to the ground.
- Habitat: These termites prefer dry, sound wood and are often found in attics, wooden furniture, hardwood floors, and exposed wood surfaces in homes.
Common Signs of Infestation
- Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites produce frass, which are small, pellet-like droppings that they push out of their tunnels. Piles of frass around wooden structures are a strong indicator of an infestation.
- Swarmers: The presence of winged termites or discarded wings near windows, doors, or light sources can signal a nearby colony. Swarming typically occurs in warm, dry conditions.
- Wood Damage: Infested wood may sound hollow when tapped and may exhibit a smooth, clean interior with galleries running along the grain of the wood. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not build mud tubes.
Prevention and Control
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your home, particularly in areas with exposed wood. Pay attention to attics, crawl spaces, and wooden furniture for signs of termite activity. Need a professional opinion? Schedule a termite inspection with Budget Brothers.
- Moisture Control: Although drywood termites do not need soil moisture, keeping your home dry can help deter other types of termites and pests. Repair any leaks and ensure proper ventilation in attics and crawl spaces.
- Preventative Treatment: Use termite-resistant wood or treat wood with termite repellents during construction or renovation projects. This can provide an added layer of protection against infestations.
- Treating Activity: Active infestations can be treated by using dusts, foam, or by fumigation. The size of the infestation and their infestation site(s) will determine the proper control measure to be used.
Drywood vs Subterranean Termites
- Evidence: Drywood termites produce piles of frass found near their kickshoots. Subterranean termites create shelter tubes and travel within them.
- Frequency of their presence: It is a greater likelihood you will find subterranean termites in the Phoenix Metro Area than finding drywood termites. Drywood termites are often found in older structures, brought in on imported viga beams, or imported wood.
Trust Budget Brothers for Expert Termite Control
At Budget Brothers, we specialize in termite inspections, treatments, and prevention. Our expert team provides thorough inspections and effective solutions to keep your home safe from termite damage. Trust us to protect your home and ensure peace of mind. Contact Budget Brothers today for all your termite control needs.
