Are You Struggling With A Drywood Termite Infestation In The Bay Area?

When you think of termites, you may think of vast underground colonies that infest homes from the ground up. While this is often true of subterranean termites, drywood termites are quite different. Drywood termites don’t rely on soil-to-structure contact and need very little moisture to survive. They prefer dry wood and can enter homes through infested items or when swarmers simply fly inside.

Drywood termites on your property can inflict a lot of damage to your wooden structures. Continue reading to get the facts about drywood termites, so you can better protect your home from these pests.

Signs Of Drywood Termites On Your Bay Area Property

Drywood termites are ⅜ to 1 inch in length and have long, slender bodies. They are typically a light brown or off-white color. Some drywood termites, known as swarmers, have a pair of wings. Drywood termites can often escape detection, as they live deep inside wooden structures.

Compared to other species, their colonies are very small (typically less than 1,000 members) and often spread out within the house. Other than during swarming periods or when repairs are being made in the home, drywood termites are rarely seen by homeowners.

While it is uncommon to see drywood termites themselves, there are other ways you may become aware of a termite problem. Keep an eye out for these indications of drywood termites:

• Fecal pellets: piles of six-sided droppings that are the same color as the wood the termites have been eating.
• Kick-out holes: tiny holes in wood surfaces that termites use to push out fecal pellets.
• The presence of flying termites (swarmers) in summer and fall.
• Shed wings left by drywood termite swarmers.

These signs of termites can help alert you to their presence within your home. If you suspect your home has an infestation, contact a termite control service for a professional inspection.

Why It Is So Hard To Get Rid Of Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are not only difficult to detect, but they’re also hard to eliminate. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not enter structures through contact with soil. They typically enter homes through infested items, such as wooden furniture. Swarmers can also simply fly into your home through vents, gaps around windows and doors, or any other small openings.

Once they’ve gained access to your house, drywood termites will infest structural wood, attic beams, furniture, or any other exposed dry wood. They make their way deep inside the wood, making it harder to access and treat the infestation. Often, the colony will scatter throughout the house, which can further complicate locating and eliminating the entire population.

Drywood termites are challenging to get rid of, especially on your own. For the most effective drywood termite treatments, reach out to a local pest control company.

Where Do Drywood Termites Prefer To Hide?

Drywood termites prefer to nest in dry wood that is above ground level. This behavior differs from other termites species, such as subterranean and dampwood termites. Subterranean termites typically invade homes through contact with soil and dampwood termites infest wood with high moisture content. Drywood termites have lower moisture requirements and can extract enough water from the dry wood that they ingest.

In your home, drywood termites may infest any dry, sound wood. The wood in your attic can provide an ideal habitat for drywood termites. Your hardwood floors, wooden trim, structural wood, and wooden furniture may also be vulnerable to drywood termites. Drywood termite infestations are often small and localized, but there can be multiple infestations throughout your home. Regular inspections can help mitigate drywood termite damage on your Bay Area property.

Who To Call About Drywood Termite Infestations

If you have noticed evidence of termite damage or other signs of drywood termites, it’s time to call in the experts. Professional termite control is the only way to go when faced with a termite infestation. For termite control that you can trust in the Bay Area, contact Bay Pest Solution. We have over 40 years of experience providing pest control in the Bay Area. When you partner with Bay Pest Solution, you will receive top-notch pest control solutions and exceptional customer service.

Our termite control service begins with a thorough inspection to identify the type of termite in your home and the best method of treatment. In the case of drywood termites, we will eliminate termites through fumigation. You will need to leave your home during this time, but you will return to a termite-free house. Our fumigation service comes with a three-year renewable warranty, and we will re-treat your property if drywood termites return.

Protect your home from drywood termites with help from Bay Pest Solution. Schedule your free termite inspection today.