Termites are an all too common pest that can be at their most destructive by early summer. There are a number of different species of termite that are found infesting and destroying our homes throughout Texas. Today A Five Star Termite & Pest Control would like to put the spotlight on Drywood Termites. We would like to share how to identify these pests by their behavior and appearance and what to do if these pests are found in your home this summer season.
What Do Drywood Termites Look Like?
The different members of a Drywood termite colony can range in size and appearance. The soldier termites are around 3/8 on an inch long. The soldiers also have a big square like head with large jaws. The workers are slightly smaller than the soldiers and have a round head. The workers are completely pale unlike the soldier termites who have a darker colored head. The reproductive members, known as swarmers or kings and queens, are larger and can measure up to about ½ inch long. The queens and kings have wings and can range in colors. The swarmers can be pale yellow to black. Their wings are transparent and often much longer than the king or queen termites.
Difference Between Drywood & Subterranean Termites
You can often determine the type of termite you are dealing with by their habits. Drywood termites are much hardier than their cousins, the subterranean termites. Subterranean termites require damp soil to survive. Drywood termites can thrive above the ground and live inside dry wood which is where they get their name. Drywood termites both nest and feed in dry wood such as in a dead tree or dried out wood structure such as decks, pergolas and wooden siding. Drywood termites will even infest inside the home in dry areas where wood is exposed such as the attic. Drywood termites are also known to feast on door and window trim, baseboard and other wooden features throughout the home. When Drywood termites feed on a site they will hollow out the inside allowing the thin layer of wood to hide their activities. Drywood termites will drill out a small hole where they drop the waste out. Often the wood will develop mounds of frass which resembles saw dust but is actually termite excrement. When termites are left unchecked they can cause serious damage to a home, and often signs of the termite’s activities can go unnoticed until it is too late.
Drywood Termite Prevention
When Drywood termites are discovered in your home it is important to take immediate action. To get rid of termites, the home and property will need to be treated. However, if termite are found outside and there is no evidence that they have invaded inside the home just yet, there are a few steps you can take to help keep the termites out of your home. First you will want to store firewood or lumber as far away from the home as possible. Cover attic vents, windows and other openings with a type 20 mesh screen which will keep queen termite from flying inside your home. Protect exterior wood. Seal up any holes and keep the surface protected with paint or a sealant. Next, make sure to have the perimeter protected with a pesticide.
Termite Inspections, Treatment, Control & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
If you suspect termite activity inside or outside your home, contact A Five Star Termite & Pest Control today.
