I am sure that many of you are familiar with the term “Slowly but surely”. This is how dry wood termites can destroy homes.  It is known that dry wood termites are the most destructive pests of wood. Dry wood termites can cause up to billions of dollars in damages and cost of control each year in the U. S. alone. If cancer is the silent killer of the human body,   then the dry wood termites are the silent destroyer of homes.  It takes years for the damages to be discovered that is why it is important to have homes protected.

Subterranean and Dry Wood Termites

There are many different kinds of termites but the two similar ones are the subterranean and the dry wood termites. These two termites are similar because they both build their nest inside the wood. Their difference lie in how they adapt to their living quarters. Subterranean termites like to live in moist wood; while the dry wood termites need wood that is dry that is why they’re so comfortable in our homes.

A Look Inside A Dry Wood Termite Colony

If you look at dry wood termites’ pictures, their colony has a structure which consists of the workers, soldiers, nymphs, queen and the king. Their colonies are small, usually under 1000 individuals. The king, queen, and nymphs are all mobile and can move within the nest. Their nest consists of numerous galleries and chambers within the wood. It may take years for their presence to be noticed because they would often just stay in a single piece of wood and eat this part leaving the other areas untouched.

Termite Control

If you suspect that there is dry wood termite infestation in your home, a thorough examination by a pest control operator or building operator should be conducted. They’re the only ones who can accurately assess the extent of the infestation and find other dry wood termite colonies. Termite inspection is also necessary to find the best treatment options as no single method is best for all situations.

General Categories of Dry wood Termite Treatments

Dry wood termite treatment are divided into three categories, they are based on their areas of coverage: the first is whole-structure, compartmental, and local or “spot” application.

Whole-structure

The known method used for the whole-structure termite control is fumigation. It is a very technical process and should be done by professionals. Before the fumigation begins, homeowners should empty the house of animals and plants. Food items should be put in protective plastic containers or be totally removed to avoid contamination. People and animals should stay away from the structure for 1-2 days to allow for ventilation and treatment.

Compartmental

Heat treatments are used to remove the dry wood termites from portions of the house such as the bedroom, attic, and porch. Articles that are heat sensitive like clothes and documents are removed and the infested area is cordoned off with vinyl sheets. For the cold treatment, they use liquid nitrogen. With this type of treatment, the temperature drops to a level that is lethal to the dry wood termites. During this treatment the area must be observed for safe oxygen levels.

Local or Spot

There are many localized or spot treatments available that includes chemical and non-chemical options. There are also microwave devices available for dry wood termite control. Using the microwave is like cooking the termites inside the wood. High voltage electricity is another non-chemical option. Another protection to use is painting double coats of epoxy enamel paints seems to be the most effective protection against termites. Wood replacement is another remedial treatment although its effectiveness will depend on the accuracy of detection and extent and location of the infestation. Currently there are researchers being undertaken to develop biological control agents to control pest insects. These treatments may be available in the near future.

How to Dry Wood Effectively

Since dry wood termites put their nest inside the wooden structure, another preventive treatment one can look into is to buy hardwood lumber that is dried. Air-drying and kiln drying are the most economical way to remove water from the wood. What would happen if the wood will be dried? It increases the dimensional stability of the wood. It can also eliminate the decay and stain of the wood.

Since there are several dry wood termite treatments that one can consider, plan carefully which among the three general treatments will be used.  There would also be big variation in the effectiveness of each application. Read your guarantee effectively and consider an annual inspection service. Another important thing to consider is the reputation of the pest control company that will conduct it. Try to at least consider three companies, ask for referrals, check their prior work and the reliability of their services.

According to research, if you correctly locate the colony and get the chemical or non-chemical treatment to dry wood termites there is a ninety percent chance of success but  if the treatment fails additional call back treatment may lead to better results.