What is the Best Drywood Termite Treatment?
It’s Friday night in Upland, and while you're busy unwinding from a hectic week, there’s a chance some unwelcome "guests" are also making themselves at home, too. Not on your couch, but deep inside your walls.
We're talking, of course, about drywood termites. Unlike more obvious pests, these sneaky little destroyers don’t leave mud tubes in their wake. Instead, they burrow into your wood furniture or structural beams, silently munching away until the damage becomes costly.
At ProCraft Pest Control, we specialize in drywood termite treatment that eliminates infestations and keeps them from coming back.
What Makes Drywood Termites Different?
Not all termites play by the same rules. While subterranean termites favor soil and moisture, drywood termites don’t need either in order to thrive.
These pests live inside dry wood, which means they’re hard to spot. Their colonies are smaller compared to other termite species, too, which may give you a false sense of security—but don’t be fooled. Just because they take longer to cause extensive damage doesn’t mean they aren’t a major headache.
Here’s what makes them unique:
They don’t leave mud tubes, so their damage is less obvious.
They aren’t attracted to moisture, making them particularly at home in dry climates like Upland and the surrounding areas.
They burrow directly into wood, often hidden deep inside furniture, door frames, or structural beams.
Signs You May Have Drywood Termites
Because drywood termites are so elusive, you’ll need to keep an eye out for subtle red flags, including:
Frass: This is termite droppings, resembling small wood-colored pellets, often found around window sills or wooden furniture.
Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tap on a beam, floorboard, or piece of furniture. If it sounds hollow, termites may be the culprits.
Discarded Wings: Swarmers (reproductive drywood termites) leave behind these translucent wings, often near light fixtures or doorways.
Cracks in Wood: These tiny splits or blisters in the wood surface might indicate hidden tunnels.
If you’ve spotted any of these signs, it’s time to act fast by putting the most effective drywood termite treatment into action. And that’s where ProCraft Pest Control comes in.
How Are Drywood Termites Treated?
At ProCraft, we provide comprehensive drywood termite treatments designed to target the infestation quickly and effectively. Here’s how we do it:
Fumigation
This is, by far, the most effective option for larger infestations. During fumigation, your home is enclosed in a tent, and a gas is pumped in to penetrate deep into the wood, killing termites where they live.
Just note that this option requires careful handling and a temporary evacuation of your home, so it's only an option when you work with professional pest control (it’s definitely not a DIY).
Injection Treatments
For smaller, more localized infestations, injection treatments are another great alternative.
These involve injecting a specialized termiticide directly into the affected wood to eliminate the colony. This option is minimally invasive and works well, again, for smaller infestations or specific problem areas.
Professional Inspections
Regardless of the treatment method, a licensed professional is the number one key to successful remediation. Our experts at ProCraft will assess the extent of the infestation, identify the best solution, and ensure long-term prevention strategies are in place.
Why DIY Solutions Don’t Work
Sure, it’s tempting to head to your local hardware store and pick up some over-the-counter termite sprays. But when it comes to drywood termites, DIY methods just won’t cut it. Why?
You can’t see the full extent of the damage without professional tools.
Most DIY products don’t reach deep enough into the wood to kill the termites.
Without addressing the full colony, the problem will persist.
Hiring a licensed pest control professional ensures the entire infestation is eradicated, preventing further damage and costly repairs.
Protect Your Home from Drywood Termites
Living in one of Southern California’s beautiful sunny neighborhoods, you're no stranger to the importance of maintaining your property. But when it comes to drywood termites, prevention and early detection are your best defenses.
Here’s what you can do today to minimize your risk:
Keep firewood or scrap lumber away from the house.
Seal any cracks or crevices in wooden structures.
Schedule regular inspections with a trusted pest control service like ProCraft.
Watch for the signs we mentioned earlier and don’t hesitate to act if you spot them.
But your best line of defense, always, is to call ProCraft Pest Control for tailored drywood termite treatments.
At ProCraft Pest Control, we’ve been helping homeowners in San Bernardino County protect their properties from drywood termite infestations for years.
Don't wait until the damage is done. Schedule your inspection today.
Did You Know?
Unlike other species, drywood termites can survive on very little moisture, making them well-suited to dry regions like Southern California.
FAQ
Are drywood termites more destructive than subterranean termites?
No, drywood termites tend to cause damage at a slower rate because their colonies are smaller. However, their ability to burrow deep into wood makes them harder to detect, which can lead to prolonged damage if overlooked.
How much does it cost to repair termite damage?
The average cost of repairs is about $3,000, but this varies depending on the extent of the damage and the treatment method required.
Can I handle drywood termites without professional help?
DIY methods don’t typically reach infestations hidden deep in your home’s wood. For effective and lasting results, work with a licensed pest control professional like ProCraft.