Drywood termites are a type of wood-eating insect that can cause extensive damage to homes and other wood structures. They can be difficult to detect, as they often remain hidden within the wood they are consuming. In this article, we will discuss the signs of drywood termites, as well as what you need to know in order to protect your home.
What Are Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites are wood-destroying insects that live inside wood and are capable of causing significant damage to homes. They are one of the most destructive wood-destroying pests and can cause extensive damage to homes and other wooden structures. Unlike other termite species, they do not require contact with the soil and are able to feed on wood that is dry and not in contact with the ground.
Drywood termites can be identified by their size, shape, and color. They are typically cream-colored and between 1/4 and 1/2 inch in length. They have six legs and two sets of wings that are equal in size and shape. They also have an oval-shaped body and long antennae.
Drywood termites are capable of infesting a variety of wood sources, including furniture, cabinets, shelves, window frames, floor joists, and more. They prefer to eat wood from the inside out, creating tunnels and galleries as they feed. They can also cause structural damage to a home, such as weakened floor joists and walls.
Drywood termites can be difficult to detect since they do not leave telltale signs, such as mud tubes or piles of sawdust. However, there are several signs of an infestation, including:
- Mud-like pellets or frass (termite droppings) left behind near wood sources
- Discolored or warped wood
- Tunnels in the wood
- Tiny holes in the wood
- A clicking sound coming from the walls
Droppings
Droppings of drywood termites are small and uniform in size, about 1/32 inch long. The droppings are hexagonal in shape and are usually yellow to dark brown in color. They are usually found in areas where the termites are present, such as near the colony, in crevices, or along walls.
Damage to Wood
Drywood termites cause extensive damage to wood by feeding on it and tunneling through it. The wood may appear to have a honeycomb-like pattern and have a hollow sound when tapped. In severe cases, the wood may be structurally weakened and collapse.
Tunnels in Wood
Drywood termites create tunnels in wood that are filled with sawdust-like material. These tunnels may appear as thin, winding lines on the surface of the wood.
Winged Insects
Winged insects, known as alates, are another sign of drywood termites. These insects are dark brown to black in color and have two pairs of wings that are equal in size. They swarm from the colony during the summer months to mate and form new colonies.
How to Prevent Drywood Termites
| Action | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Reduce humidity | Prevents infestation |
| Seal cracks and crevices | Prevents entry to home |
| Clean gutters and downspouts | Prevents water accumulation |
| Store firewood away from home | Prevents infestation from colonies |
| Inspect furniture and wood | Identifies any signs of infestation |
| Treat wood with borate-based products | Kills insects on contact |
Drywood termites can be prevented with a few simple steps. Reduce humidity in and around the home, seal cracks and crevices, clean gutters and downspouts, store firewood away from the home, inspect furniture and wood, and treat wood with borate-based products. Reducing humidity helps prevent infestation as drywood termites need a humid environment to survive. Sealing cracks and crevices prevents entry to the home, while cleaning gutters and downspouts prevents water accumulation. Storing firewood away from the home prevents infestation from colonies. Inspecting furniture and wood identifies any signs of infestation. Treating wood with borate-based products kills insects on contact. Following these steps can help protect the home from drywood termite infestations.
How to Treat Drywood Termites
- Identify the drywood termite infestation. Look for signs of damage, such as hollowed-out wood and piles of frass, which are the termites’ droppings.
- Create a barrier. To prevent the termites from continuing to spread, seal the walls and baseboards with a silicone-based caulk.
- Remove the existing termites. Use an insecticide to kill the termites. Make sure to completely cover all infested areas, and follow the instructions on the label.
- Repair the damage. After the termites are gone, repair any damage done to your home. This may involve replacing wood, painting, and sealing cracks.
- Replace wood and other materials that cannot be treated. If the wood is severely damaged and cannot be treated, it will need to be replaced.
- Prevent future infestations. To prevent future infestations, regularly inspect your home for signs of termites and make sure to keep your home dry.
Common Questions About Drywood Termites
- What do drywood termites look like?
- Where do drywood termites live?
- What do drywood termites eat?
- How do I know if I have a drywood termite infestation?
- What are the signs of a drywood termite infestation?
- How can I prevent a drywood termite infestation?
- How do I get rid of a drywood termite infestation?
Drywood termites are tiny, dark-colored insects that measure around 1/4-1/2 inch in length. They live in dry wood, including structural wood, furniture, and even wallpaper and book bindings. Drywood termites feed on cellulose, which is found in wood and other plant materials.
Signs of a drywood termite infestation include the presence of discarded wings, small piles of sawdust, and small holes in wood surfaces. Preventing a drywood termite infestation can be done by removing sources of food and moisture and sealing off potential entry points. Treating an existing infestation can be done with fumigation and spot treatments.
Prevention of Drywood Termites
- Inspect wood before bringing it home. Check for any signs of termite damage and discard wood if signs of damage are present.
- Eliminate sources of moisture, such as leaks in plumbing, roof and window seals, and air conditioning units.
- Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from the home.
- Keep wooden furniture away from the walls and floor.
- Inspect your home regularly for signs of termites.
- Seal any cracks or crevices in the foundation, walls and floors with caulking.
- Install screens on windows and vents to keep out flying termites.
- Keep tree branches and shrubs trimmed away from the home.
- Replace any wood that is damaged or decayed.
- Treat wood with a borate-based insecticide to prevent termite infestations.
- Have a professional pest control company inspect your home regularly.
Treatment of Drywood Termites
Drywood termites can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the severity of the infestation. Some of the most common treatments include fumigation, spot treatments and heat treatments.
Fumigation
Fumigation is the most commonly used method to treat a drywood termite infestation. It involves sealing off the entire structure and pumping in a gas that is toxic to the termites. This method is effective in killing the entire colony and is usually done by a professional pest control company.
Spot Treatments
Spot treatments involve drilling into the wood and injecting the wood with a pesticide. This method is used when the infestation is only in a small area or when the infestation is not extensive. Spot treatments are usually done by a professional pest control company.
Heat Treatments
Heat treatments involve using a special heating device to heat the structure to a certain temperature that is lethal to the termites. This method is effective in killing the entire colony, however it is more expensive than other treatments and is usually done by a professional pest control company.
Prevention
The best way to prevent a drywood termite infestation is to have regular inspections by a professional pest control company. Inspections should be done every 6 to 12 months to detect any signs of an infestation. In addition, any wood that is in contact with the soil should be treated with a pesticide to prevent any infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of drywood termites?
Drywood termites often produce visible signs on wood and other materials that they are infesting. These signs include pellets of wood-colored excrement, which are small, oval-shaped and six-sided. These pellets are known as frass and can accumulate in piles beneath the termite infestation. Other signs include discarded wings of swarmers, tunneling in wood, and small holes in wood that are the entrance and exit points for termites.
How can I tell if I have drywood termites?
Look for signs of swarmer termites, which have a dark brown or black body and wings. Also look for fecal pellets that are hard, oval-shaped and have six concave sides. These pellets are usually light-colored and pushed out of the wood in piles. Additionally, look for small, round exit holes in infested wood, as well as cracks, blisters and buckling in the surface of the wood. If you see any of these signs, it’s likely that you have drywood termites.
What are the common symptoms of drywood termites?
Drywood termites can be identified by their droppings, also known as frass, which look like small piles of sawdust and are found near or below infested wood. Other signs of drywood termites include hollow-sounding wood, blistering on the surface of the wood, and exit holes in the wood. Homeowners may also find discarded wings near windowsills and doors, which drywood termites shed after they swarm.
What should I do if I suspect I have Drywood Termites?
If you suspect you have drywood termites, contact a licensed pest control professional for an inspection. A pest control professional can accurately identify the type of termite and provide a plan of action to eradicate them from your home. Depending on the severity of the infestation, the pest control professional may recommend a fumigation treatment or localized spot treatment.
Are there any prevention tips to help avoid a drywood termite infestation?
To prevent a drywood termite infestation, eliminate areas of high moisture in and around the home, repair any water leaks, and ensure that all wood-to-ground contact is minimized. Additionally, store firewood away from the home, maintain good ventilation in crawl spaces, and seal any cracks or crevices in the home’s foundation. Lastly, inspect the home regularly for signs of termites and contact a pest control professional if an infestation is suspected.
Conclusion
Drywood termites can cause serious damage to homes and other structures, and can be difficult to spot because of their small size. Early detection is key to preventing the spread of termites and preventing costly damage. Homeowners should be aware of the signs of drywood termites and take action if they suspect an infestation. Pest control professionals are trained to identify and eliminate drywood termites and should be contacted if signs of an infestation are present.
