How to Treat Drywood Termites

Termites can cause severe damage to the wood in your home.

Drywood termites may be more challenging to detect than subterranean termites. Once they build a nest within your house, they rarely emerge from their wooden food source. You may only notice that you have an infestation if the termites emerge in a swarm or if you see hexagonal fecal pellets next to a hole in wood. According to the University of California's Integrated Pest Management Program, homeowners should hire a licensed exterminator to address the problem, rather than trying to kill the infestation themselves. A professional exterminator can determine the extent of the problem and safely apply appropriate treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Chemicals
• Liquid nitrogen
• Fumigant
• Bags

Instructions

1. Hire a licensed pest control operator to inspect the building. The type of treatment you use to kill an infestation depends on whether the entire building is affected or if the infestation is limited to a specific location. A licensed exterminator can pinpoint the boundaries of the infestation.

2. Replace isolated and infested wood, if possible. This option is only a possibility if the drywood termites have infested a particular piece of wood, such as a door, and the infestation has not spread. Remove the object and have the exterminator thoroughly inspect the rest of the building to ensure the infestation has not spread.

3. Consult with the exterminator regarding which spot treatment will be most effective for a localized infestation. According to the University of California, products that may be applied by the homeowner are not effective, and only licensed exterminators should apply spot treatments. You may decide to use liquid or dust chemicals, however there is a possibility that the infestation will return. Liquid nitrogen may also be effective, and leaves no chemical residues. Either method requires some damage to the building, as the exterminator will drill a hole to inject the material into the nest.

4. Hire your exterminator to conduct a whole-building fumigation if you have a widespread infestation. This is also an option for localized infestations, as it is possible to miss an infestation area when examining the structure. A whole-building fumigation may have up to a 100 percent efficacy rate, according to the University of California. Decide whether to use heat or fumigants. The heat treatment may damage some household items that are heat sensitive. The fumigant treatment will not leave residual chemicals, however you must leave the home. The period of time you must leave depends on how long it takes the chemicals to dissipate.

5. Prepare for a whole-building fumigation by removing all of your plants and pets from the building. Remove all of your food, or seal these items in special bags recommended by the exterminator. Arrange to stay at another location for several days. Wait to return to the house until the exterminator tells you all the fumigant has dissipated.

References

• University of California Integrated Pest Management Program: Drywood Termites
• Drywood Termite Control: Weighing All the Options

Resources

• Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities: Drywood Termite Biology, Identification and Control