Termites are highly destructive pests that cause billions of dollars in damage each year. Termite treatments differ depending on the type of termite being treated. Drywood termites do not require soil (and its moisture) to survive. They prefer unaltered wood (hence the drywood name). The most effective way to prevent them is to eliminate the initial infestation. Annual termite inspections are also an important part of termite prevention.
Termites in Dry Wood
Termites are highly destructive pests that cause billions of dollars in damage each year. The first and most important step in termite control is determining the type of termite you have. Termite treatments differ depending on the type of termite being treated. Drywood termites, dampwood termites, and subterranean termites are the three types of termites that attack Florida homes. Let's look at drywood termites in more detail, as well as treatment options for this termite species.
Drywood termites range in length from 1/4′′ to 3/8′′, depending on their age. These termites are distinguished by their thick waists, short legs, and straight antennae. Drywood alates (also known as swarmers) have equal-length wings. Drywood termites have protruding mouth pincers as well. The color of these termites varies according to their role in the colony. Workers range in color from cream to white, soldiers from cream to brown, and alates from brown to black. Drywood termites are found along the southern coast of the United States.
Drywood termites differ from other species in that they do not require soil (and its moisture) to survive. They prefer to nest inside the wood they eat rather than underground. They don't even make mud tubes. Drywood termites are able to fly into structures and eat both across and along the grain of the wood. They make small "kick out" holes in the wood to push debris out of as they eat. They prefer unaltered wood (hence the drywood name). They are frequently found inside your home in wood flooring, fascia, window sills, doors, wooden frames, attics, and even furniture.
The following are the most common signs of drywood termites:
Drywood frass is made up of 6-sided fecal pellets that are pushed out through holes in the wood. They frequently look like coffee grounds or sawdust.
Blistering/Warping: Drywood termites frequently tunnel right beneath the surface of wood, resulting in a blistered or warped appearance.
Because drywood termites do not have soil contact, they require different prevention techniques than subterranean termites. The most effective way to prevent drywood termites is to eliminate the initial infestation. These termites frequently enter your home through cracks, vents, joints, and other openings. To prevent entry, these should be sealed off.
Another way to keep termites at bay is to make the wood in your home less appealing to them. When possible, use pressure-treated wood; if this is not an option, treat wood with borates or silica gel afterwards.
Annual termite inspections are also an important part of termite prevention. These inspections, conducted by trained service professionals, aid in the early detection of termites and termite damage, allowing for treatment before the damage becomes irreversible.
Once you've determined that you have a drywood termite problem, there are two types of termite treatments that will get rid of them.
Tent Fumigation: Tent fumigation is an effective method for eradicating drywood termites. The fumigation gas is activated by placing a tent over the entire home structure. Termites are eliminated when the tent is removed.
No-Tent Fumigation: Another option for eliminating drywood termites is no-tent fumigation, which is especially effective for structures that cannot be easily vacated. The product is applied directly to the source within the structure to treat affected areas.
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