Do You Have Drywood Termites?

Signs you might have a drywood termite infestation include:

• Discarded wings of swarming drywood termites may be found in windowsills, in and around light fixtures, in the attic, or in similar places where swarmers (winged reproductive termites) can exit a termite colony to begin a new one.
• Little piles of pellets, called frass, can also be found in these areas.
• Damaged wood that is severely blistered or sounds hollow when tapped.
• Pin-sized holes in walls and woodwork where termites “kick out” frass.
• Live, swarming (flying) termites in your home.

Is it Time for an Inspection?

There are several factors that might indicate it’s time for a termite inspection and possible fumigation. You might want to have an inspection to ensure your peace of mind if:

• Your building is 5 to 10 years old,
• It has been 5 to 10 years since the last termite treatment, and/or
• Other homes or buildings in the neighborhood have drywood termites, which can spread to your home during swarming season.

Because it is nearly impossible to locate all of the drywood termites in a structure, contact a professional termite inspector to accurately identify if you have a drywood termite infestation in your home. Should you find you have termites, do not treat the problem lightly, as you not only risk damage to your own home but to any nearby structures – the termites could leave your house to establish colonies elsewhere. Whole-structure fumigation with Vikane® gas fumigant rids your home of 100% of the termites – the first time.

Remember, too, that if you are selling or buying a house, termite inspections or documented treatment for termites may be a legal requirement for the completion of the sale.

Do You Have Termites?

You might already have termites and not even know it. That’s because drywood termites thrive in the inaccessible areas of your home – eating it from the inside out. By the time you’ve realized you have an infestation, they might have already done extensive damage.

To learn more about drywood termites, watch the video “Do You Have Termites?”