Do you live in the Southern United States, the Gulf Coast, Arizona or the California coast? If so, then you may be susceptible to drywood termites. Drywood termite treatment costs can vary from state to state and region to region. However, it is important to have some prior knowledge about these insects before deciding which option is right for you.
dry wood termites
Drywood termites are a class of termites that live in drywood. They live in colonies similar to other termites and this colony exists from an original pair of monkey termites. For this reason, drywood termite colonies develop slowly and are smaller than larger termite colonies. But, don’t fool yourself. They can cause just as much termite damage as any other type of termite.
How do you know if you have a drywood termite infestation? The typical sign is the characteristic pellet expelled by the drywood termite. The way they expel their stool is through something called a “kick hole.” It is through this kick hole that the buckshot can normally be seen. This is when you should suspect that you have a drywood termite infestation. They like to eat the soft spring wood and follow the grain of the wood. So look for these features in your home to determine whether or not you have an infestation.
Termites that reproduce are called swarmers or alates. They may be winged, or even wingless. The coloration of these reproductive termites can vary in a range from light yellow to tan and the color of the wings can be light or even light gray. They are not very big, averaging 7/16 of an inch long and this includes the wings! However, be careful. Even if the primary reproductive termites die, there are immature termites that can also reproduce. They are usually wingless, range in color from beige to white, range in size from ΒΌ to 3/8 inch long, and comprise the majority of the drywood termite colony. They can also collect food and take care of the queen. Since the immatures comprised the majority of the colony, there are no actual “worker” termites in this species. However, there are soldier termites in this species. They are similar in color to immatures and are about 5/16 inch long.
A termite colony takes several years to mature. Once this has happened, the winged termites leave and establish their own colonies. Their swarming activity usually occurs at dusk or at night. They like to fly towards areas that have the most light, such as around lighted lights or windows. This is unless you are a termite living in Arizona! This swarm occurs in mid to late summer with certain species swarming through the winter months, like January or February for example.
Drywood termites obtain their food through the cellulose found in wood. This is achieved when the immatures ingest the cellulose, using special enzymes to break it down so that it can be absorbed, and it is then shared with younger termites, soldiers and reproducing termites.
The main difference between drywood termites and other types of termites is that drywood termites do not need to be near moisture to survive. They do not need to be in contact with the ground because they get the moisture they need from the wood and what is produced during digestion. For this reason, look for nests that are located on wall supports under the eaves as well as on the ceiling. They are also found in dead wood around houses, as well as near leaky pipes or water heaters.
Drywood Termite Damage
Damage caused by drywood termites can be severe. Its main habitat is dead trees, branches, brush and firewood. When new houses or other buildings are being built, termites can infest. They can enter through a variety of areas, including vents in foundations, under eaves or shingles, or attics. They prefer to get into tight places to start digging tunnels.
Do you have a drywood termite infestation?
The main sign of a drywood termite infestation is the classic sediment found or even the actual presence of alates on your home’s window sill or near any lights you may have outside. If they are found inside your home then you are in trouble as this usually means the infestation is inside the structure itself. However, if there are bugs outside your home, it does not necessarily mean that your home has been infested. The infestation may also be present if you find discarded wings on window sills. They spend their entire lives inside the wood.
Drywood termite pellets are distinctive and are used to identify an infestation. They are hard and elongated and have rounded heads with six distinctive flat or concavely depressed sides. They are usually light tan in color. So watch out for these when you’re looking for an infestation.
Drywood Termite Control
There are many ways to prevent a termite infestation from occurring. You can remove wood that has been damaged, use chemicals to prevent further damage, and reduce the chance of infestations by having your home inspected.
termite inspection
So how much exactly does termite treatment cost in this situation? Well, first, if you want, you can inspect your house yourself. This inspection must be thorough so that you can determine the extent of the damage done to your home. Most people, however, use a reputable pest control service. The importance of a thorough inspection is essential because it will determine what action needs to be taken. It is recommended that you have your home inspected by a professional service along with a self-inspection to double check.
There are specific areas in your home that need a thorough inspection. Outdoors these include wood siding, exterior trim, corners or eaves paying close attention to spider webs for granules, window and door frames, window sills, roof overhangs, beams, porch roofs, supports, trellises and stairs . You should also look for electric meters or fuse boxes for pellets. Pay close attention to ceiling tiles and wood trim as well.
termite prevention
As with anything in life, prevention is key. In this case, you need to deny termites access to your wood through sanitation practices and alterations to your home design. One of the best things you can do is remove stored firewood, lumber, and dead trees from your home. Protect your attics and keep your window screens in good repair. Before you paint your house, seal any cracks or crevices with something like wood putty. Drywood termites cannot infest your home if there is a good coat of paint to keep them out. You may also consider using pressure-treated lumber. Although more expensive, it will save you in the long run if you live in an area known to be infested with termites.
termite treatment
Treatment is what we hope we never have to do, but here are some ways to help you navigate through it all. The cost of termite treatment can vary depending on the extent of the infestation, the damage caused, and the company you choose. If the damage is minimal, you may choose to replace the wood. You can replace the wood with pressure treated wood in this situation which will prevent future termites and wood decay.
The other option is drywood termite fumigation. This is considered when the damage is extensive and cannot be repaired by simply replacing the wood. Your house must first be covered with a tarp, and then the gas is released. It will seep into all the cracks and crevices and kill termite colonies. You will have to vacate your home in this situation as it is very dangerous. You need to get a licensed professional to do this service for you. Do not try this yourself due to the danger. You must remove all household plants, pets, and food before the fumigation process.
There are also spot or termite treatments that can be done. This can use chemicals or can also be completed by non-chemical means. Some of the chemical examples include silica gel powders, liquid nitrogen, and liquid organophosphates. Non-chemical means include microwave devices as well as high voltage electricity.
When you decide to contact a company, be sure to do a thorough background check on the company as well as the product they use. It is recommended to contact many different companies to compare prices and get different estimates for their services. Also, see if they have warranties or guarantees for the service they provide. Lastly, it is helpful to look at any customer complaints a business may have and whether or not they are licensed.