S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Pest Guide » Termites » Drywood Termites:

Drywood Termites
Color: Light brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Long, narrow, oval
Size: 3/8" to 1 inch
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes

As the name would imply, Drywood Termites infest dry, sound wood such as those found in attick framings. Drywood termites do not require contact with the soil. They form colonies of up to 2,500 members and do not have a worker caste. The work is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood. Because Drywood termites infest dry wood, they can cause significant damage to a home.

One of the common symptoms of a Drywood termite attack is the accumulation of tiny, straw-colored fecal pellets inside or beneath infested wood. These pellets sift from small holes in the surface or are pushed out through small round openings maintained by the termites. The presence of pellets does not prove damaged wood is currently infested, as pellets continue to sift from wood for many years after termites are controlled or have died. However, large, consistent accumulations of pellets are a convincing sign the termites are still active.

Prevention Outdoors:

Store fire wood away from your home and remove piles of lumber or other decaying wood that could serve as a nesting site.
Keep mulch less than 2" thick and at least 12" away from foundations.
Eliminate sources of moisture such as leaky faucets, plumbing, and free-standing water. Also, make sure that your sprinkler system does not spray directly onto the foundation of your home or business.

Prevention Indoors:

To prevent entry into a structure, seal all internal and external cracks and crevices and be sure that wood is sealed with a uniform coating of paint, varnish or other sealant to prevent easy access by drywood termites.
Use 20-mesh screen on all windows and doors, and especially at ventilation openings for attics and crawl spaces.

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