Table of Contents

•  Drywood Termites: Let’s Get to Know the Adversaries
•  Signs of a Drywood Termite Infestation
•  How to Effectively Get Rid of the Drywood Termites?
•  Removing the Infested Wood
•  Injecting Boric Acid Solutions
•  Microwave Treatment
•  Fumigation Treatment

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Termites are silent destroyers that leave a trail of devastation in their wake. Subterranean termites are common and hence we often associate termite infestations with mud tubes. But drywood termites are sneakier than subterranean termites! They might be living inside your walls and you wouldn’t notice the signs. But fear not! In this blog, we uncover everything you need to know about drywood termite treatments that can help get rid of these little nuisances.

Drywood Termites: Let’s Get to Know the Adversaries

While subterranean termites are the most common species of termites in the United States, drywood termites are the most destructive species of termites. But thankfully, these termites are mostly restricted to certain warm Southern states and humid coastal areas.

Drywood termites thrive in dry wood, unlike subterranean termites that need soil and moisture. Hence, you won’t spot any mud tubes if you have a drywood termite infestation.

Drywood termites live inside the wood they infest. It might be wooden flooring, doors, windowsills, furniture, or any wood that is dry and sound. It can even affect wood in places where the external temperature of the furniture is as high as 100 °F.

Signs of a Drywood Termite Infestation 

You might need a keen and attentive eye to find the drywood termite infestation on your property. Here are some telltale indicators that drywood termites have invaded your space.

• · Pellet-like droppings called frass - are usually found on the floor adjoining the infested wood.
• · Discarded wings near light fixtures and windows.
• · Wood that sounds hollow.
• · Blisters on the wood or warping of the wood (advanced stages). 

Also Read: What Does a Termite Infestation Look Like? Know the Signs!

How to Effectively Get Rid of the Drywood Termites? 

The drywood termite treatment chosen depends on the extent of the infestation.

Here are some treatment methods that might be suggested to you.

1. Removing the Infested Wood 

Drywood termites eat the wood they infest thus making it weak and hollow. If the drywood termite infestation is at an early stage and localized to a particular area of wood, then the best treatment method would be to simply remove the infested wood and if necessary, replace it with fresh wood. Make sure that the new wood to be used is treated with termiticides.

2. Injecting Boric Acid Solutions

If the infested piece of wood is vital and cannot be replaced, it might be a good choice to consider boric acid solutions.

The boric acid solution is usually injected into the infested piece of wood and the acid kills the termites inside the wood. You might have to repeat the procedure several times to get rid of the localized infestation completely.

3. Microwave Treatment

In case the infestation is isolated and you do not want to use chemical treatments, you can try microwave treatment.

The microwave generators used in this method emit controlled microwaves that penetrate the infested wood and kill the termites. This is a safe treatment that works for small, localized infestations.

4. Fumigation Treatment 

If the termite infestation has gotten out of hand and has spread to multiple places in the property, then the above-mentioned methods will not work to fully eliminate the drywood termites.

Fumigation treatment is the ultimate solution to a severe drywood termite infestation. This method involves erecting a tent around the property and then pumping it with termiticide gases. Once the gas reaches every corner and crevice of the property, it kills the drywood termites’ colony. The treatment might take several days to complete and the house residents including pets should find a temporary space to stay until the treatment is done.

To find the right treatment for your drywood termite problem, contact a local termite treatment company. A professional will be sent to assess the damage done by the termites. After inspecting the property thoroughly, the professional termite inspector might give you some suggestions on choosing the right kind of drywood termite treatment. 

Also Read: Proven Termite Prevention Treatments

HiTech Termite Control

Drywood termites have small colonies but this does not translate to a reduction in the damage they inflict. Annual termite inspections will help identify drywood termite problems at an early stage. Our termite inspectors are trained to spot even the faintest signs of a termite infestation. To book a free inspection with us, visit our website here.

YouTube: Dealing with termite troubles? 

Frequently Asked Questions

 1.What are drywood termites?

Termites that live in dry wood, common in warm Southern states and humid coastal areas.

2. How do I know if I have drywood termites?

Look for signs like pellet droppings (frass), discarded wings, hollow-sounding wood, and blisters or warping of wood.

3. What are the treatment options for drywood termites?

Options include removing infested wood, boric acid injections, microwave treatment, or fumigation for severe infestations.

4. When should I use fumigation for drywood termites?

Use fumigation when the infestation has spread widely and other methods aren't effective. It requires a tented structure and termiticide gases.

5. How can I prevent drywood termite infestations?

Schedule annual termite inspections and use treated wood to detect and prevent infestations early.