What You Need to Know About Drywood Termites

Termite infestation in damaged wood requiring treatment.

What You Need to Know About Drywood Termites

Understanding the behaviour, signs of infestation, and treatment options for Drywood termites is essential for effective control and prevention in homes, buildings and structures.

Drywood termites, also known as non-subterranean termites, are a species of termite that infest dry wood. They are found in various regions worldwide, particularly in warmer climates such as Australia. They thrive in untreated wood like wooden structures, exposed beams, and furniture. 

Common species in Australia include the West Indian and the Australian termites.

Habitat and Behaviour

Drywood termites do not require contact with soil to survive. They obtain all the moisture they need from the wood they consume. Unlike subterranean termites, which live in the soil and build mud tubes to access above-ground food sources, drywood termites establish their colonies directly within the wood they infest.

Their colonies are typically smaller than subterranean termite colonies, but can still range from a few hundred to a few thousand individuals including workers, soldiers, nymphs, and reproductive termites.

They burrow into the wood, creating tunnels and chambers within the wood that weaken its structure over time. This hollowing out of wood from the inside and can cause significant damage and compromise its structural integrity.

Signs of Infestation

Common signs of Drywood termite infestation include:

  • The presence of faecal pellets (small, hexagonal-shaped pellets), called frass, that look like grit near exit holes.

  • The emergence of swarmers (reproductive termites with wings) during mating season, and the obvious evidence of shed wings.

  • The presence of small exit holes in wooden surfaces.

  • Blisters on wood surfaces.

  • Hollow sounding wood.

Prevention and Control

  • Remain vigilant, regularly inspect furniture and wooden structures for signs of termite activity, such as frass or hollow sounds. The earlier they are detected, the less likely they are to increase and cause irreparable damage.

  • Reduce the risk of infestation, seal cracks and crevices in wood.

  • Avoid using untreated wood in construction projects, rather opt for termite-resistant building materials.

  • Implement routine maintenance practices.

Treatment

Unlike subterranean termites, which often require soil treatment, drywood termite treatments focus on eliminating the termites within the infested wood. This typically involves localised treatment methods, such as fumigation, heat treatment, or localised spot treatments with termiticides.

If you are looking for reliable Drywood termite treatment services in Sydney, call us at (02) 8315 3205. We are the most affordable and best pest experts in Sydney, happy to help 24/7 all around Sydney.

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