Drywood termites are one of the most destructive pests that can wreak havoc on your home. Their presence can cause costly damage to your property—it’s important to learn everything you can about these pests so that you can protect your home from these unwanted guests. In this article, we’ll look at what drywood termites are, how to identify them, and what to do if there is an infestation.
What Are Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites are one of the most common types of termite species found in the United States. They are generally found in warm, dry climates. These termites are light-colored, oval-shaped insects typically around 1/8 inch long, with two pairs of equal-sized wings and straight antennae. The workers are white, while the reproductive members are darker in color.
These pests consume wood for nutrition and are known for their ability to cause considerable structural damage with their destructive wood tunneling tendencies. They do not require contact with the soil and can spread through the air, even infesting wooden structures that are above ground.
Here are some signs of drywood termite infestation that you need to watch out for.
Discarded Wings
Drywood termites shed their wings after swarming. These wings, which tend to be brown or black in color, are often found in piles near windows or doors through which the termites have entered your home.
Droppings
These termites produce small, hard, oval-shaped droppings (often referred to as frass) that are similar in size and color to sand or wood shavings. Their droppings are usually found in piles near the infested wood or scattered around the home.
Hollowed Wood
As termites feed on wooden furniture and fixtures, they’ll hollow out the wood, leaving behind small, evenly-spaced tunnels. This damage is usually easy to spot, as the wood will have a distinctive honeycomb pattern and may appear weakened or cracked.
Noise
Drywood termites are known to make a distinctive clicking sound as they feed on wood. This sound is often difficult to detect and may only be heard in quiet rooms.
How to Prevent Drywood Termites
Watch out for areas of high humidity in your home or business. Drywood termites are attracted to areas of high humidity, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and attics. To prevent the growth and spread of drywood termites, keep the humidity in your home or business below 50%.
Next, make sure wood products used in your home are treated with an insecticide or preservative. Seal any cracks or crevices in your home or business, as drywood termites can enter your property through the smallest cracks and crevices in the walls and foundation.
If you suspect an infestation of drywood termites, it’s best to contact Encino’s Best Termite Solutions to help you assess the situation and provide a comprehensive solution to the problem. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get in touch with our team today and protect your home from drywood termites.