Drywood Termite Control Services in Spring Hill & Surrounding Areas

What are drywood termites?

Drywood termites are found throughout Florida. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not need to be in contact with the soil and do not need additional moisture sources. They will live most of their lives within the wood structure on which they feed. They eat wood and other cellulose material as their food source and are capable of doing significant structural damage. BugX Exterminators offer drywood termite control throughout Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, Dade City, Land O' Lakes, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Crystal River, Homosassa, Inverness and the surrounding areas.

Drywood termites are social insects. The workers feed the entire colony and clean and groom each other. Their colonies are relatively small (3000 insects) and multiple colonies may infest a structure. The galleries they eat in the wood are smooth and clean. Drywood termites send out mating pairs called swarmers in the late spring and summer. Frass or drywood termite fecal matter has a gritty feel to it and almost looks like coffee grounds. When magnified groves in the pellets can be seen.

Evidence of a drywood termite infestation includes kick out holes, frass (fecal matter), damaged wood, swarms, and swarmer wings and or bodies. When these signs are found, immediate action should be taken.

What termite control methods are available to treat drywood termites?

There are several methods to treat for drywood termites. The most prevalent and effective methods are tent fumigation, the drywood alternative method (DAT), also known as, a drill and treat, and the complete removal and destruction of the infested wood.

What is termite tenting and termite tent fumigation?

The house or structure to be fumigated is completely covered with tarps to make a relatively airtight seal. The tent is then injected with sulfuryl fluoride gas, along with a release of tear gas. Sulfuryl fluoride gas is a clear, odorless gas that is lethal to insects and mammals. The tear gas is released as a warning agent to potential intruders. Once the calculated amount of gas has been released inside the tent and has remained there for the calculated period of time, the tent is opened to allow the gas to dissipate into the atmosphere. When the gas has dissipated, the tent is then removed and the structure is cleared for occupancy. The process takes two to four days.

The disadvantages:

  • The process is inherently dangerous
  • Once the tent is removed, there are no residual effects of the gas and re-infestation can reoccur at any time
  • Tarps can cause damage to the roof and the sides of the structure and kill plant life around the structure
  • The structure must be evacuated during the fumigation process

The advantages:

  • If the correct amount of gas is injected, all drywood termites within the confines of the tent will be killed

What is a Drywood Alternative Treatment?

This approach involves treating those areas which have visible evidence of drywood termite infestation and treating other areas of untreated wood which may be targeted for infestation by drywood termites. The first step is a thorough inspection. All visible areas of infestation will be graphed. The wood structure of the infested area is drilled with small holes to provide access to the termite galleries. A non-repellant termiticide in a liquid or foam form is then injected into these holes. The key is to get the termiticide inside the galleries. Once the termites come in contact with the termiticide, they transfer it from one to another because of their social activities. The termiticide is a slow acting material. It gives plenty of time to be dispensed throughout the colony before it begins to work. We therefore get complete colony elimination. Within a short period of time, the entire colony is eliminated. Other areas of unfinished wood such as crawl spaces and attics, may be treated with materials that kill existing infestation and prevent further infestation, if necessary to protect the structure. Every structure is unique, and the actual specification depends on the results of the inspection.

The disadvantages:

  • A complete kill on the first treatment cannot be guaranteed
  • A colony that is separate from the rest and not as yet visible, may be missed and a follow-up treatment may be necessary
  • Holes from the drilling activity must be filled, sanded and touched up or repainted

The advantages:

  • The structure does not have to be unoccupied during treatment, just the immediate work area
  • There is a residual effect to the termiticide
  • If re-infestation occurs and the insects come in contact with the treated area, the transfer effect will start again and the colony will be eliminated
  • This method uses material extremely low in mammalian toxicity
  • The procedure can be completed, in most cases, in a few hours
  • In many cases, a Drywood Alternative Treatment can be the answer to your problem. It is less expensive and more convenient way to deal with Drywood Termites. It all starts with a thorough inspection!