Among the species of termites, drywood termites are the one responsible for attacking the wood structures inside your home. Basically, they can create low to high degrees of termite infestation. And due to this, the best treatment for drywood termites primarily depends and varies.
As we go along, we will share to you the recommended treatment to eradicate drywood termite infestation inside your home. Additionally, it is also included here some information about drywood termites that you must have to know.
Facts about drywood termite
Basically, drywood termites harbor, feed, and rest within woods that are undecayed. This type of wood contains very low moisture. Compared to the subterranean species, the drywood termites do not need to have any soil contact for them to live. Because of this, drywood termites can cause serious damage to movable objects made of wood.
Creation of gallery or nest
Moreover, a couple of drywood termite can go and make their way into a wood surface to build their nest. Generally, they seal the opening that serves as their entry portal into the wood. Initially, they seal their entry using a plug of cement-like substance which is brown in color. This plug measures around ⅛ inch in terms of diameter.
Additionally, you may find a chamber within this plug where the drywood termites can excavate. It is also within this chamber wherein the first eggs of the queen lay them. Subsequently, the eggs hatch and grow into a nymph. The nymphs then produce the termite’s colony.
Further, the drywood termites have soldiers and reproductive groups which also come from the nymphs. Contrary to this, if there are soldiers, distinct workers are absent within the colony of the drywood termites. This is in contrast with that of the subterranean termites.
Generally, the nymphs create round holes which measure 1/16 to ⅛ inches during their swarming season. This is also the time when the reproductive groups of the drywood termites leave their nest on the wood. Additionally, they plug these holes in the same manner to that of the holes of the entry portal. They usually do this during the completion of the swarming season.
Primarily, the damage by the drywood termites is completely distinct from the one caused by the subterranean species. Basically, these termites make a slice among the wood grain thus penetrating the large chambers linked by smaller tunnels.
The Swarmers
Usually, the months of April until July or during the rainy season when the young swarmers or the flying drywood termites appear. Actually, the adults have wings and have a dark brown color. They usually grow for as long as ½ inch in length.
Meanwhile, the workers, which typically have white and soft bodies, stay inside the galleries along with the nymphs. Primarily, once the wood breaks and opens up, you can see this group of drywood termites.
Basically, you can find one species of the drywood termite along California to Arizona. This is the Marginitermes hubbardi or the light western drywood termite. Additionally, the other term for this species is the southern drywood termite.
Generally, their habits are the same as the western drywood termite. But, this light western drywood termite likes drier conditions and temperatures that are higher.
Moreover, along the southeastern area of the United States, three drywood termite species are commonly found. Basically, these species are as follows:
1. Incisitermes snyderi
Also known as light southeastern drywood termite, this drywood termite lives within South Carolina to Florida and the west part towards Texas. Generally, this drywood termite can cause the most serious injury among the three species.
2. Incisitermes schwartzi
Moreover, this second species of the drywood termite is a common pest residing in southern Florida that traverse along the north of Pensacola.
3. Kalotermes approximates
Generally, this third drywood termite species has a common name of the dark southeastern drywood termite. Typically, you can see this roaming within the western Gulf Coast to New Orleans up to the north Atlantic Coast going towards the southern part of Virginia. Basically, it targets all wood structures and wood poles.
The Recommended Best Treatment for Drywood Termites
Basically, the various species of drywood termites require various treatment that is best to exterminate them. Generally, it is really essential to know that the best treatment for drywood termites might match with the species that infest your home. Luckily, between drywood and subterranean type, the first one is easiest to treat.
Now that you have the knowledge about the drywood termite, another thing that might be of concern is the best treatment for drywood termites that you might use. Here are the following recommended treatments to eradicate the drywood termites.
You may also read Wood Treatment for Termite Prevention – 4 Methods are Here
The best treatment for drywood termites #1: STRUCTURAL FUMIGATION
Basically, this fumigation process is one of the best treatment for drywood termites. Moreover, an extensive infestation is usually the most common termite issue to address by structural fumigation. Additionally, it needs professional termite exterminators in order to perform this best treatment for drywood termites.
Primarily, the structural fumigation entails the entire covering of the house with a gas-tight tent. Subsequently, the tent releases a fumigant containing sulfuryl fluoride or methyl bromide. Generally, fumigation becomes the best treatment for drywood termites and an effective one because the fumigants replace the oxygen with deadly gas to be inhaled by the insects.
Additionally, structural fumigation completely eliminates the drywood termites inside the house. Moreover, the sulfuryl fluoride only kills the mature drywood termites in order to be effective. Basically, once the mature drywood termites die, the immature insects and the eggs cannot survive.
Furthermore, one of the advantages of the sulfuryl fluoride is that it takes a fast and equal distribution throughout the structure infested by drywood termites. However, always keep in mind that this best treatment for drywood termites should only be performed by professionals who have the knowledge of such gases.
Additionally, both fumigants – sulfuryl fluoride and methyl bromide are products with restrictions. These gases cannot be bought without having a license of Certified Structural Fumigator. Generally, this is applicable to around 50 states.
The best treatment for drywood termites #2: LOCALIZED / SPOT WOOD TREATMENT
Generally, when the infestation is only minimal, the localized/spot wood treatment is the best treatment for drywood termites to be used. Using this method, the requirement is to drill a small hole into the wood to introduce the insecticide. Moreover, foams and dust formulation can also be used for this best treatment for drywood termites.
Additionally, the localized/spot wood treatment also recommends the use of aerosols and dust formations. Basically, foam and aerosol products can be applied directly into the holes of drywood termite nests. Once the insecticide has been injected into the infested wood through the drillings, plug the openings using wooden dowels.
However, in case of localized drywood termite infestation, there are three methods under the spot wood treatment available. Basically, the method you opt to use will vary depending on the case of the infested wood.
Three methods for localized/spot wood best treatment for drywood termites
1. INFESTED WOOD REMOVAL / REPLACEMENT
Basically, this is the simplest among the best treatment for drywood termites. You just need to remove and replace the wood where drywood infestation nested in. However, this method is only applicable for one to two pieces of infested wood that can be easily accessible and removed.
2. DRILL-AND-FILL METHOD
Generally, this best treatment for drywood termites is highly applicable in infested wood that is painted. The drill-and-fill method is the best treatment for drywood termites over woods with finishing that cannot be removed.
Furthermore, silica gel can also be used as the best treatment for drywood termites under the dust formulation. Using small amounts, the dust must be injected to the termite nest. Keep in mind that injecting dust in excess can plug the nest and result in the walling off of termites which makes them isolate those spots.
Below is the process of doing the drill-and-fill method.
Way of using foam or silica gel treatment
- Initially, prepare the following tools and material:
- Foam or silica gel insecticide
- Drill
- ⅛” or ¼” drill bit
- Basically, drill the holes.
Primarily, for every 8 to 10 inches along with the infested wood, drill holes. Generally, you can easily detect once you already hit the termites nesting area. It can be identified once you feel less resistance upon the drilling process.
- Moreover, fill the holes with the silica gel or foam insecticide
Based on your own preference, fill the holes with either silica gel insecticide or foam products.
- Finally, seal the holes
Using a wood patch immediately close the holes where you injected the best treatment for drywood termites of your choice.
3. THE USE OF BORIC ACID
Generally, the best treatment for drywood termites that is under the home treatment method of termite eradication is the use of boric acid. Moreover, the boric acid treatment for drywood termites is budget-friendly and the safe option to be used for both humans and pets. It is also a good alternative treatment in case the wood has not been stained or sealed.
Primarily, once you opt for using boric acid as a termite treatment, you’ll need to mix it with water. Subsequently, inject the boric acid solution into the wood infested by drywood termite using a medicine syringe. It will then absorb deep down the wood and kill those pests.
Additionally, boric acid treatment will leave residues into the wood that will last in there until the entire wood lifespan. If ever the wood is already stained and sealed, the best way to apply boric acid is to sand the wood and remove its finishing. Generally, this will allow the wood to penetrate the boric acid.
Basically, staining, painting, or varnishing can be used over the boric acid application to protect it from the weather. However, using this kind of drywood termite treatment is not the fastest method in eradicating the pest infestation.
Way of using boric acid treatment
- Initially, prepare the following tools and material:
- Boric acid
- Foaming solution (optional; for foaming purposes or appearance)
- A bucket (capacity of 5 gallons)
- Paint stirrer
- Pump sprayer
- Paintbrush
- Paint roller
- Foaming device
- Basically, ready the wood to be treated.
- Mix the boric acid with water
Generally, for newly infested wood, simply mix 1 part of boric acid and 1 part of water. Remember when mixing boric acid, always mix the solution in a bucket with a 5-gallon capacity.
Moreover, it is not recommended to mix the solution directly into the pump sprayer. This will generally clog the sprayer. Additionally, it is highly recommendable to use hot water in mixing boric acid. Keep in mind that this product is thick and difficult to mix.
Furthermore, in case the wood is not yet infested, just mixt 1 part of boric acid and 5 parts of water.
- Directly apply the boric acid mixture into the infested wood.
Basically, you can spray the boric acid and water mixture using a pump sprayer. In case you opt to add a foaming agent, foam it into the wall voids through the foaming additives and device. In addition, to get the ideal results, the boric acid mixture must be reapplied.
Moreover, it is highly recommended to hire the service of a reputable and trusted pest control company in case the infestation is already massive. Remember that a widespread termite infestation is really hard to treat at home by yourself alone. Additionally, pest control service providers offer either a low-cost or free inspection once you need assistance in identifying the extent of the infestation.
Wrapping Up
There are generally several options to render the best treatment for drywood termites. You can use certain commercial products which you can apply at home all by yourself. However, you must carefully read the label of the insecticide that you must have to use and strictly follow the recommended amount and instructions of the application. Basically, this is highly applicable for localized or small drywood termite infestation.
Meanwhile, in case the infestation is already massive, you can get the assistance of a professional termite exterminator. They are skilled and qualified enough to determine the extent of infestation in your home. With this, they can be of great help in eradicating the pests inside your home using the best treatment for drywood termites.
