Drywood termites might be tiny, but they sure can cause some serious damage. Unlike those that live in the soil, these ones stay hidden inside the wood they feed on, which makes them tougher to notice. These little critters can silently destroy the wooden structure of your house.
So, what do you do when you find out you’ve got them hanging out in your home? Don’t panic! We’ve got some practical tips on how to get rid of them and keep your home safe and sound.
Signs You’ve Got Drywood Termites
Before jumping into how to wipe them out, you need to know they’re even there. These termites live deep inside wood and don’t build mud tubes like subterranean ones. So look out for:
- Tiny Piles of Frass: They may look like sand or ground pepper, but they’re actually termite droppings.
- Wood Damage: Tap on wood around your house. If it sounds hollow, there could be termites inside.
- Blistered or Warped Wood: Doors and floors may bulge or bend due to internal damage.
- Swarms of Winged Termites: Spotting these is a big warning sign.
Start with a Thorough Inspection
Don’t just spray and pray. You’ve got to know where they are. Use a flashlight and a screwdriver. Tap and press on wood. Listen for hollow sounds and probe soft spots. Check attics, crawl spaces, and wood furniture.
Not sure what you’re hearing or seeing? That’s where professional termite control comes in. A trained eye can spot what you might miss.
Best Ways to Get Rid of Drywood Termites
Now that you know how to identify drywood termites, let’s take a closer look at the most effective ways to eliminate them from your home. There are a few different approaches you can take depending on the severity of the infestation.
1. Localized (Spot) Treatment
This is a go-to method for smaller infestations. A trained technician pinpoints the areas where termites are active and treats only those spots. It saves time and keeps you from having to vacate the house.
It usually involves:
- Drilling into the wood
- Injecting termite control products into galleries
- Sealing the holes back up
Localized treatments are effective when the infestation hasn’t spread too far. It’s quick and less invasive, but it works best when caught early.
2. Tent Fumigation for Termites
When drywood termites have taken over large areas, it’s time to bring out the big guns: fumigation.
The whole house is covered by a large tent. A gas fumigant is released inside to reach all the hidden spots where termites live. The gas gets into every crack, crevice, and board – even where spot treatments can’t reach.
After aerating the home properly, it’s safe to re-enter. And best of all? It doesn’t leave any residue behind.
Fumigation is the only guaranteed way to wipe out drywood termites from top to bottom. It also comes with a strong multi-year warranty.
Note: K Termite offers a 3-Year Fumigation Warranty and 1-Year Whole Structure Warranty for drywood termite treatment – giving you peace of mind long after the tent comes down.
3. Borate Barrier Treatment
This is more of a long-term solution. A borate-based product is applied to exposed wood during construction or renovation. It soaks into the wood and creates a protective zone that drywood termites can’t digest.
It doesn’t kill on contact. But once they start feeding on it, it shuts down their system. It’s perfect for adding an extra layer of security to your home’s structure.
Related Articles:
How Often Should I Get a Termite Inspection for My Home?
Fumigation vs. Localized Treatment: What’s Right for You?
DIY vs. Professional Termite Control
How to Make Sure They Don’t Come Back?
Now that you’ve cleared them out, make your home less friendly for their return.
- Seal up entry points: Apply caulk to seal cracks and gaps.
- Keep wood away from moisture: Even though drywood termites don’t need soil, they love wood that’s a little damp.
- Inspect wood furniture and décor before bringing it inside: A small picture frame could carry a big problem.
Routine checks every year or two help catch anything early before it becomes a full-blown infestation.
Why K Termite Is the Right Call for Drywood Termite Elimination?
Let’s talk about who’s got your back when it comes to drywood termites.
K Termite isn’t like the usual termite control company. We’ve been helping homeowners across Southern California for over 25 years, and when it comes to drywood termites, we know exactly what works. Here’s what makes us different:
- Free Termite Inspections – No gimmicks, no pressure. We send a licensed inspector to your home, check out the situation, and get you a detailed report the next business day. Easy and straightforward.
- Multiple Treatment Options – Whether it’s spot treatments for small areas or full-home fumigation for larger infestations, we recommend the right treatment based on your home’s needs. We’ve got the right solution for every situation.
- In-House Carpentry – Need some repairs after treatment? No problem. We handle all the work ourselves – no outsourcing, no middlemen, just fast and clean repairs done by our own team.
- Strong Warranties – Our fumigation comes with a solid 3-year warranty. And if you want extra peace of mind, you can even add an extra year of coverage.
- Termite Protection Policy – Want to stay ahead of termites for the long haul? Our Termite Protection Policy includes a yearly inspection and on-the-spot treatment if we spot any signs of termites. It’s the smart way to stay protected year after year.
From the first inspection to treatment and repairs, K Termite takes care of everything for you. No confusion, no extra hassle, just quality termite control services from a local team you can trust.
What to Avoid When Treating Drywood Termites?
Not all methods are worth your time. Here are some points to consider:
- DIY sprays: They won’t reach deep enough into the wood.
- Over-the-counter foggers: These only affect surface insects and are useless against embedded colonies.
- Ignoring the problem: Termites don’t stop. Everyday you wait is more damaging.
If you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, get help fast. The longer termites stay, the more expensive it gets to fix.
Drywood termites are tricky, but they’re not unbeatable. With the right steps and the right team, you can kick them out and take back control of your home. Whether it’s spot treatment, fumigation, or repairs, it all starts with a solid inspection.
So check those walls, look for signs, and don’t wait until the damage gets worse. And if you need help, K Termite is just a call away.