Identification
- Color: Typically pale brown to light tan.
- Size: About 3/8 to 1 inch in length, depending on the caste.
- Body: Slightly larger and more robust than subterranean termites; winged reproductives are commonly seen during swarms.
Behavior
Drywood termites do not require contact with the soil and get the moisture they need from the wood they consume. They typically infest attic spaces, wooden structural supports, and even furniture. Colonies are often smaller than those of subterranean termites but can spread rapidly through multiple areas of a property. A common tell-tale sign of drywood termites is frass pellets they kick out of the wood they’re infesting. The pellets are normally tan and black and smaller than a grain of rice.
Threats
Drywood termites can cause extensive damage to wooden structures, including beams, siding, and even artwork frames. Unlike subterranean termites, they cut across the wood grain, creating large galleries that weaken wooden elements from the inside out.
Control Measures
Effective management of drywood termites requires:
- Regular Inspections: Maintaining vigilance with periodic inspections helps detect early signs of infestation and prevent widespread damage.
- Mechanical Removal: The best control measure for an infestation is to mechanically removing the piece of infested wood and replacing it with a new section of wood accordingly.
- Wood Treatments: Direct application of termiticides to infested and at-risk wood areas can be effective as long as the product get entirely into the depths of the colony.
- Fumigation: For severe or widespread infestations, tenting and fumigating the entire structure may be necessary.
Bill’s Home Service’s experienced technicians have years of experience inspecting for termite activity and providing homeowners with accurate treatment options to meet the specific needs of the infestation they’re facing.
For more information about drywood termite infestations in Tucson, rely on Bill’s Home Service. Contact us today at (520) 277-2720 to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our termite control strategies.
