What Are Drywood Termites?
WouterDrywood termites are a type of insect that can cause considerable damage to a home. They live and feed in wood, and can enter a house through foundation vents, attic vents, wood siding, wood shingles, and wooden coverings around doors and windows.
The average homeowner cannot detect a drywood termite infestation until it is too late. Fortunately, experts have tools available to detect an infestation and treat it. However, the majority of damage caused by termites is not covered by homeowners insurance.
The best way to prevent a drywood termite infestation is to keep the wood in your home as clean as possible. This can include repairing cracks, sealing gaps, and reducing moisture. Also, inspecting your home regularly will help you to spot infestations early.
Drywood termites can be found in dead trees and in wood siding, molding, and wood framing. They can also be found in new construction, as well as in wooden roof shingles.
If you suspect you may have a drywood termite problem, call an exterminator. Professionals can spot treat an infestation with heat or liquid nitrogen. They can also tent your entire house and pump toxic gas into the air to kill other pests.
A common way to detect a drywood termite infestation is by noticing fecal pellets on the floor. These tiny pellets look like brown mud particles. They accumulate in small piles below kick holes.
The fecal pellets can also be caught in spider webs. If this happens, it is important to remove them before they damage the interior of your home.
