What To Do About Drywood Termites On Your Chandler Property

Two types of termites are common in Chandler. One type is drywood termites, which are vastly different from their counterparts, the subterranean termite. Drywood termites build their nests inside the wood and other cellulose-based materials, whereas subterranean termites live in the damp soil and use tunnels and mud tubes to travel between their nest and food. Because of this, drywood termites are efficient when it comes to consuming wood.

While subterranean termites need moisture to survive, drywood termites don’t require moisture from the soil and prefer to feed on dry wood. When it comes to consuming wood, drywood termites eat across the grain, meaning they eat all of the wood and not just the soft parts. Eating across the grain can cause structures to collapse. 

Because of how much damage termites can cause, it is essential for Chandler residents to know more about this pest, how to prevent them, and how to get rid of them safely and efficiently.

Signs Of Drywood Termites

If drywood termites infest a residential property, they might be found in wood doors and window frames, wooden furniture (especially antique wood furniture), structural lumber pieces, and other dry wood structures such as decks and sheds.

There are several signs of a drywood termite infestation that you can look for. These signs include:

• Droppings- known as frass, and it looks like black pepper.

• Swarmers and discarded wings- often the first sign of a termite infestation. 

• Hollow wood- If you knock on a piece of wood and it sounds hollow, that indicates that termites have been feasting.

• Clicking noises- drywood termites are not quiet as they work and eat away.

• Hard to close doors and hard to open windows- drywood termites cause wood to warp as they tunnel. 

If you believe you might have a termite infestation on your property, you shouldn’t hesitate to take action. The longer termites have, the more damage they can do.

Getting Rid Of Drywood Termites

It’s just about impossible to get rid of drywood termites on your own. Because they nest inside the wood, it is difficult for the untrained eye to detect them. Plus, drywood termite colonies are made up of thousands of individual members, making it even more challenging to get rid of them.

The best thing to do is to call the pros at Green Home Pest Control. If you suspect you have a drywood termite infestation, you should contact us immediately. Our trained technicians know the signs to look for, can assess the damage to your home, and remove the infestation keeping you and your family safe in the process.

While professionals can assist you in getting rid of termites, it is best not to let them infest your home in the first place.

Prevention Tips For Drywood Termites

Whether you want to prevent a termite infestation from ever happening or to keep them from coming back again, you should implement the following tips:

• Seal potential entry points around the foundation and exterior walls of your home. This includes spaces around utility lines.

• Remove rotting wood and vegetation on your property. This includes dead trees, wood fences, and play structures.

• Use rocks instead of mulch and soil in garden beds around the foundation of your home.

• Regularly inspect wood and items made from wood before bringing them onto your property, as this is the most common way dry wood termites infest.

The best termite prevention tip is with ongoing assistance from experts. At Green Home Pest Control, we have over 30 years of experience and will customize a termite control plan that is right for you with eco-friendly products.  Contact us today at Green Home Pest Control to learn more about what we can do for your Chandler home and ask for a free quote.