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Drywood termites

Wooden houses are symbols of warmth and comfort, but they are also vulnerable to the threat posed by a variety of pests. One of the most destructive enemies of wooden structures are termites. In this article, we will look at what drywood termites are, what threats they pose to your wooden home, and what effective methods exist to prevent and deal with them.

What are Drywood termites and how do they act?

Drywood termites, whose scientific name is Kalotermitidae, are one of the largest species of termites characterized by their preference for feeding on dry wood. Unlike subterranean termites that are highly notorious, drywood termites live inside dry wood and can destroy your home without making any obvious signs of their presence. A common name for the subspecies is white ants or yellow-necked termite. These xylophages live in symbiosis with intestinal microorganisms, which allow them to digest cellulose.

Drywood termites gnaw away at the inside of the wood to collect the cellulose it contains and return back to the nest to digest it. This process of wood destruction can continue for many years before obvious signs of damage are evident.

They build nests inside wooden structures such as houses, furniture, logs, or wood retaining structures. In this case, termite nests are inside the wood and hidden from external surveillance.

Threats posed by drywood termites

Drywood termites can cause significant damage to your wooden home. They tunnel system inside the wood, making it brittle and warped. As a result, wooden beams, walls, and other structures can lose their strength, which can eventually lead to serious damage and even collapse.

Undermining wood structures is far from the only threat posed by drywood termites. Their activity can also damage wooden furniture, books, art, and other valuable items in your home.

Signs of drywood termites

Identifying drywood termites can be challenging because they prefer to remain hidden inside the wood. Here are some signs to look out for:
  • Small holes

    Drywood termites create small holes in the wood through which they excrete their excrement. These holes can be seen on the surface of wooden structures.
    01
  • Wood dust (wood flour)

    As termites are active, they leave dust or wood flour near their work areas.
    02
  • Sound traits

    If you hear a distinctive rustling sound inside the wood, it could be a sign of drywood termite activity.
    03
  • Wings

    During certain periods, drywood termites may fly out of the house in search of new habitats. If you find wings inside the house, this may be evidence of the presence of termites.
    04
  • The wood itself

    If a tree or wooden structure seems hollow or sounds different than usual when tapped, it may be a sign of drywood termite activity.
    05
What's important to know!!!
By the way, a musty smell is often caused by termites.
termite queen
Termite queen

Prevention of drywood termite attacks

The best way to deal with drywood termites is to prevent them from attacking. Here are a few measures to help protect your wooden home:

1. Proper wood treatment: When building or renovating a home, use treated wood that is termite resistant.

2. Clean up the woody debris: Remove old wood, sticks, and other woody materials get rid of them to avoid attracting termites to your home.

3. Regular inspections: Conduct regular inspections of the wooden parts of your home. If you see signs of drywood termite activity, act immediately.
Termite nest detection
Detecting a termite nest with a thermal imager

Dealing with drywood termites

If you find drywood termites in your home, it is important to take immediate action to eradicate them. Here are some ways to deal with them:
  • 1. Professional disinsection:

    The surest way to get rid of drywood termites is to contact professional termite control experts. They can assess the extent of the problem and apply the appropriate extermination methods.
  • 2. Termiticides:

    Effective chemicals applied to or near wood can be used to protect your home from drywood termites. However, this is more about prevention than controlling an existing infestation.
  • 3. Heat treatment:

    High temperatures can destroy termites. Heat treatments in your home can be an effective way to control them. Specifically, Shashel microwave equipment. In fact, all it takes to destroy a nest of termite infestation is the destruction of the queen. Since it is the queen that secretes a special pheromone that unites the colony. It is possible to find a hidden nest with the help of a thermal imager. Since the nest maintains its own constant microclimate with an elevated temperature. The advantage of the Shashel equipment is the chance to destroy the colony without costly dismantling and disassembly of the structure, through wood, furniture, drywall, plastic or even ceramics. Thus, getting rid of termites easily is possible by locating the nest quickly, turn on the equipment for just a few minutes!
  • 4. Wood finishing:

    Applying special coatings and finishes to wood can make it less attractive to termites.
  • 5. Dry wood destruction:

    If you have dry wood that may attract termites, it is recommended that you destroy it or remove it from the vicinity of your home.

Conclusion

Drywood termites can be a serious threat to your wooden home, but with proper precautions and control, it is possible to protect your property. Don't underestimate the threat of drywood termites and neglect precautions to avoid serious financial and structural problems in the future.
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Irritating and playful, slowly devouring the furniture bequeathed by his grandfather, the woodworm gnawed, gnawed, continued gnawing, as if it were a clock devouring time... © Alves Redol
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