There are three primary classifications of termites: Drywood termites, dampwood termites, and subterranean termites. Among these three types, drywood termites thrive in dry and hard wood found in homes. These include structural wood, furniture, banisters, and picture frames. Unlike subterranean termites, they don’t form subterranean termite colonies. Instead, they make their way through the wood and extract moisture.
Drywood termites are typically found on the West Coast, Hawaii, and Florida. However, there is a significant presence in Arizona, extending up to Eastern Texas and the Carolinas. Drywood termites can cause as much damage as other termite species.
Immature termites, which act as false workers, measure 1/4 inch. Adult termites measure up to 1 inch long, depending on their age. They are typically cream-white to light brown. Mature termites have an oval-shaped waist, short legs, equal-length wings, and straight antennae. Drywood termite soldiers are distinguished by having darker-colored heads with oversized mandibles.
One obvious sign of drywood termite infestations is discarded wings, especially near light sources. Another telltale sign that drywood termite colonies are nearby is the presence of fecal pellets called frass. These are small mounds of drywood termite pellets found near infested wood. Drywood termite control is particularly challenging because they live in wood and only venture out if they need to swarm. If you knock on wood and produce a hollow sound or see tunnels in wood, the extent of termite infestation could be severe. Other signs are the sound that they make. Soldier termites produce sounds to warn termite colonies of danger.
Drywood termites form colonies with fewer members than subterranean termite colonies. A typical colony contains 2,500 termites. Unlike subterranean termites, there are no ranks or castes in a drywood termite colony. Instead of having adult workers, immature termites play the role of workers. Drywood termites swarm on warm, sunny days after a significant temperature rise.
As the name suggests, drywood termites feast on dry wood, such as attic framing. They can transfer locations when infested wood is transported to other sites. Hence that explains their wide distribution even in their non-native areas.
Drywood termites can consume almost anything that contains cellulose. That means they may even eat paper aside from floors, wooden roof shingles, walls, structural timbers, support beams, and furniture. Overall, drywood termite damage costs American homeowners up to $5 billion yearly.
There are several treatment methods to kill drywood termites once detected. The best alternative is to hire a well-trained pest control professional, like Arizona Termite and Pest Solutions, who are vastly experienced in detecting and treating your home to get rid of drywood termites.
For small infestations, spot treatments using chemical and non-chemical options are available. Chemical treatments may involve silica gel dust or borate injected into known drywood termite galleries. These substances are deadly to drywood termites. Non-chemical treatments, on the other hand, may involve microwaves or electric jolts.
Replacing infested wood with chemically treated wood is essential in controlling drywood termite infestation. For larger infestations with multiple drywood termite colonies, fumigation using sulfuryl fluoride may be used.
Drywood termites present a significant threat wherever you are in America. To help prevent infestations, ensure all wooden sections outside your home are treated and painted. Moreover, it would help if you kept the paint in good condition. Before painting, fill cracks, holes, and crevices to prevent termites from eating through untreated portions.
Another way termites can find a way into your property is through firewood. Store firewood as far away from your home as possible.
Conclusion: Call Arizona Termite and Pest Solutions To Get Rid of Drywood Termites Now!
Drywood termites, aside from causing significant damage to American homes, are challenging to detect. Drywood termites live in places that will require thorough inspection before meaningful action can help. To ensure that extensive infestations are eliminated, and permanent steps are adequately taken, Arizona Termite and Pest Solutions have the right experience and techniques to do the job. To save yourself substantial costs caused by drywood termite damage and other termites in Arizona, such as desert termites, call us at (480) 359-9600.
