Drywood termites are one of the most troublesome pests in the Bay Area. They have a reputation for being destructive, and they deserve it. So, what can you do about them? Bay Pest has all the answers you need.
If you need help identifying or treating drywood termites, our Bay Area pest control is designed for you. Contact Bay Pest today to learn more about our drywood termite inspections and treatments.
How Can I Tell If I Have A Drywood Termite Problem?
Drywood termites are a species of termite commonly found along the California coast. These insects are between a quarter of an inch and one inch long, and can be white or light brown in color. Termites have long, narrow bodies. A single drywood termite colony can have as many as 2,500 insects. These termites prefer to infest hard, dry wood rather than damp or rotted wood.
Unfortunately, there aren't many signs of a termite infestation to look for. You may spot termite swarmers around your property or their shed wings. You might also see something called "frass," which is actually termite feces. It looks like small piles of a sawdust-like substance. Another sign of a termite infestation is the presence of small holes in wood and wooden structures.
Since there are so few visible warning signs, it is not uncommon that homeowners can have an ongoing infestation right under their noses. This means that you could have a termite problem right now that you might not discover until you're trying to sell the home or until catastrophic damage has already occurred. This is part of the reason why ongoing termite protection is so important for homeowners.
How Much Damage Can Drywood Termites Cause?
Termites tunnel through wood, eating it and forming open spaces for their colony to live. And, because drywood termites prefer solid wood, they often infest the wood inside walls and roofs in houses. This can cause problems for homeowners: who wants insects tunneling through the roof of their home? Fortunately, it can take years for severe structural damage to occur as a result of drywood termites. As the colony grows, the rate of destruction can increase, but this takes time.
However, drywood termites are one of the more destructive species of termite. They can also go undetected for a while, which allows damage to continue. Ideally, termite infestations should be caught as early as possible in order to prevent serious damage to your home.
Simple Steps You Can Take To Protect Your Home From Drywood Termites
Termite prevention is essentially about protecting the wooden structures of your home and looking for any evidence of drywood termites. The earlier you catch an infestation, the less likely you are to discover high levels of damage.
Here are a few termite prevention tips you can apply around your home:
- Be aware of when swarming season is in your area.
- Seal cracks and holes in the walls of your home.
- Paint or treat any exposed wood around your home.
- Inspect any wooden items brought into your home for signs of termites.
- Regularly check your home for signs of termite damage.
Drywood termites in the Bay Area usually swarm in the summer. This is the period when reproductive termites leave their birth colonies to go start new ones, and it is the most common time for termites to enter your home. Swarmers also sometimes appear on warm days after a sudden increase in temperature.
Any crack or hole in the walls of your home can give swarming termites entry into your house. Sure, they can chew through the wood, but why give them easy access? Paint or other wood treatments also make it harder for termites to infest wood.
Drywood termites have been known to enter homes on furniture and other wooden items. Before bringing anything home, do a thorough check for any sign of termites. Do the same thing around your home frequently. Remember, the sooner you catch a termite infestation, the better.
Sometimes, all the prevention tips in the world aren't enough, and you'll still find evidence of termites in your home. When that's the case, your best option is to contact a pest control specialist.
The Best Thing To Do If You Spot Signs Of Drywood Termite Damage
In order to confirm the presence of drywood termites and begin treatment, you need a professional termite inspection. Bay Pest offers termite inspections and treatment in the Bay Area. With decades of pest control experience, Bay Pest is your best option for fast and effective drywood termite control. After the inspection, we'll find the best possible treatment that will protect your home and keep your family safe. Call Bay Pest to learn more about our treatment options for Bay Area homes.