If you live in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you know that drywood termites can be a hidden menace to your home or business. These seemingly invisible pests are more than capable of damaging the wood structures that surround you, threatening both your investment and peace of mind.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the nature of drywood termites, how to identify them, and most importantly, how to eliminate them. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner in Fort Lauderdale, FL, understanding drywood termites and taking action is essential. Let’s delve into the methods that can keep your property safe and termite-free.
What are Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites are a distinct type of termite that typically thrive in what people consider “drywood.” This includes the wood used for building houses and making furniture, such as kitchen cabinets, wall studs, roofs, and more.
Drywood termites can survive on the moisture present in wooden structures. In contrast, Subterranean and Dampwood termites require larger amounts of water to live.
Subterranean termites rely on soil for water. On the other hand, dampwood termites need “damp” wood, often found in wet or decaying tree stumps.
Identifying Drywood Termites
Drywood termites have a distinguishing characteristic: they create dry droppings, called “frass.” Frass is one sign of a termite infestation. This frass is essentially termite feces.
Drywood termites produce these dry pellets by absorbing most of the water found in the wood while digesting it.
What Do Drywood Termite Droppings Look Like?
Termite droppings are often compared to coffee grounds, but they actually look more like rounded poppy seeds.
Frass can be various colors based on the type of wood the termites consume. For instance, if Drywood termites eat light-colored wood often seen in kitchen cupboards, the pellets will be white.
When termites eat wood with darker rings, the droppings will show various shades of brown, just like the wood’s colors.
How to Get Rid of Drywood Termites in Fort Lauderdale, FL
There are primarily two methods for eliminating Drywood termites:
Method 1: No-Tent Liquid Treatments
Termites can be eliminated by applying a topical wood treatment or a termiticide injection into the infested wood. These techniques are effective in exterminating drywood termites.
Topical Wood Treatments
Wood treatments mostly contain Boric Acid as their main component. When using termite-killing chemicals on the wood, ensure the wood isn’t wet, painted, sealed, or stained.
If treating an active termite infestation, choose a product that penetrates deep into the wood. This will ensure they are killed them when they eat it. Borathor and Boracare are examples of such products, which can penetrate up to 4 inches into the wood.
To use these products effectively, combine them as directed and spray onto the wood using a high-pressure tank. Thoroughly treat the wood by coating as much surface area as possible.
For safety purposes, remember to wear nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and a breathing mask.
Be cautious when using boric acid products that only target the surface of wood. These types of products can prevent drywood termites from spreading, but they cannot eliminate an existing drywood termite problem.
Using boric acid products to treat wood offers a significant benefit: it safeguards the treated wood for its entire lifespan. This protection can last years to decades, preventing Drywood termite infestations in homes and buildings. Properly applying boric acid can essentially make a structure termite-resistant.
Learn more about DIY Termite Control Tips here!
Termiticide Injections
This technique involves applying termiticides inside the wood to reach the termite tunnels, also known as “galleries”, built by termites. When these insects come into contact with the substances, they die, hence the term “contact insecticides.”
To treat termite galleries, a common method is to inject pressure foam into the small opening where termites release their pellets. This opening is known as the “kick out hole.”
The treatments usually come in a foam can with a tube and rubber plunger. This helps prevent the foam from escaping while you use it. The foam then travels through the wood’s tunnels and empty spaces, making contact with the termites. This approach works very well since it targets the live termites right away.
The main components of these foam termite killers are Imidacloprid and Fipronil, with the latter being the most potent. Fipronil works well due to its strong yet slow-acting nature. When termites touch it but don’t die right away, they can spread it to other termites, similar to a contagious disease.
It’s recommended to utilize both topical wood treatments and termiticide injections for superior results.
Method 2: Tent Fumigations
Many recognize the colored striped tarps on houses and buildings during fumigation. Only a certified pest control business can perform this procedure. This procedure involves using extremely dangerous Sulfuryl Fluoride gas to enclose the infested structure.
Tent fumigations, though not always feasible, are undoubtedly the best method for eliminating drywood termites. This is due to the nature and behavior of these termites, as multiple colonies can reside in one building or house. Every wood piece can potentially have its own colony.
As a result, treating concealed or unreachable wood with liquid termiticides can be challenging or impossible. Tenting or “fumigation” of the entire building is a very effective way to get rid of all drywood termite colonies.
While fumigations can be more effective than liquid treatments for eliminating Drywood termites, they aren’t always possible. This is because some buildings, like townhomes, condos, and apartments, are connected to other units. If not all residents agree to leave the building, fumigation can’t be done for the entire structure.
Additionally, the process could damage landscaping, roofs, pool screens, fences, and more. Only a professional pest control company, like On Demand Pest Control, can determine if fumigation is suitable option for your home or building.
Learn more about the costs involved with a tent fumigation here!
Drywood Termite Prevention in Fort Lauderdale, FL
As discussed above, using boric acid-based solutions on exposed wood can help protect buildings from future termite infestations. Additionally, you can use a pest control duster to spread Termiticide dust in your attic. This creates a thin layer of protective dust on the exposed wood. The result will be the elimination of any drywood termites that attempt to start a new colony.
Another effective way to protect your attic from drywood termites is by using pest control insulation such as TAP. The insulation in the attic does two things. First, it improves the thermal efficiency (reducing electricity costs). Second, it contains boric acid, which kills drywood termites that try to invade.
Furthermore, seal all cracks and crevices on your home’s exterior to prevent termites from entering initially. Many individuals opt for a preventative treatment after fumigation to maintain a termite-free environment in the future.
Get Help From The Pros at On Demand Pest Control
Dealing with drywood termites can be a complex and often overwhelming task, especially in the unique conditions found in Fort Lauderdale, FL. With their ability to thrive in dry wood commonly found in homes, furniture, and other structures, they pose a significant threat to your living space. Whether you’re facing an active infestation or looking to prevent future infestations, taking immediate action is crucial.
At On Demand Pest Control, we understand the specific challenges of dealing with drywood termites in various Florida locations, including Hollywood, FL, Pompano Beach, FL, Pembroke Pines, FL, Naples, FL, and Fort Myers, FL. Our experienced team of professionals is equipped with the latest techniques and local expertise to ensure a termite-free environment.
Don’t let drywood termites take over your home or business. Let us take care of your pest problems, ensuring peace of mind and safeguarding your valuable investments. With offices throughout the state, we’re here to provide the effective, high-quality service you deserve.
Contact On Demand Pest Control today to schedule your appointment and take a decisive step towards a secure and comfortable home. Request a free quote below!
