(by Robert Holyfield)
Drywood Termites are social insect s that live in colonies in sound wood. They are much larger than our more common Subterranean Termites yet their colony size is much, much smaller. You are less likely to get an infestation of this termite, however the cost to get rid of them can be much larger. They are found more along the coast and the southern part of the state. Older areas of the city are also hot spots for this termite. Downtown, riverside, green cove springs and along most any waterway. They spend their entire life inside the wood they are consuming. The more common Subterranean Termite lives in the ground and makes mud tunnels to get to their food source. Drywood Termites can enter a structure through attic or foundation vents, under eaves and fascia boards, and through cracks and joints of exposed wood. Some of the common places they will start in a home is fake wood shutters that are deteriorating or wooden columns doing the same. These openings provide an easy entry point for the little buggers. Once inside the king and queen start the new colony. After the colony has matured, (usually three years) they produce swarmers to leave the colony and start a new one elsewhere. They usually swarm at night and are attracted to light. Antique furniture is a really good carrier of this termite. Many pieces have a infestation and can spread to your home by way of them swarming from that old dresser you fell in love with that’s now in the corner of your bedroom!! Be on the look out for tiny fecal pellets that they kick out from the wood they are consuming. These pellets are much smaller than a grain of rice and are hard with distinctive groves with six sides. They clean out the area they are eating on a regular base so you will see these pellets lying around the infestation. Drywood infestations are difficult to deal with. Most of the time the infestation is localized as they are near the original entry point. But sometimes the infestation is not found until the colony has grown and spread through swarming to areas you might not detect. Treatments range from just removing the piece of wood that they are infesting, all the way up to fumigation where they put a tent over the entire house and gas them. This is the best surest way of treatment as it penetrates all areas that are accessible and not accessible .
PREVENTION:
Keep a good paint and seal on all exterior wood. If you have wood siding, pay close attention to the base of the siding with sealant and paint. Use fine mesh screening on vent openings to attic and off grade construction. Caulk and seal all cracks and joints around windows and doors. Replace any rotten wood promptly! These are no guarantee you will not get an infestation, but are good maintenance tips that will sure aid in prevention.
As always if you need us give us a call.
Bug Out Service
(904)778-2280
Free termite inspection and estimate on any home. We can provide you with termite coverage for two years with a cost of less than most companies charge you for the initial treatment.
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