As the species' name suggests, drywood termites live within and feed on dry wood structures inside of your home.  Unfortunately, a drywood termite infestation can go undetected until serious structural damage occurs, and that's why regular inspections by an experienced pest control professional like Expect the Best Pty Ltd are important. 

Fortunately, minor infestations can be easily treated before they become serious.  Here's how.

Heat treatment

Pest control firms use heat treatment to remove drywood termites from isolated areas of a house, for example an attic or bedroom.  The affected areas are screened off using vinyl sheeting and any heat-vulnerable items are removed.  Temperature probes are placed at the room's extremities, and heat is pumped into the room using a propane heater.  

Once the lethal target temperature has been reached, the room can be quickly cooled-off again.  Because no chemicals or pesticides are used, the area is suitable for immediate reoccupation, making this a popular treatment option.

Cold treatment

In addition to being vulnerable to excessive heat, drywood termites cannot tolerate extreme cold.  Pest control firms often treat infestations within wall voids and other small spaces by pumping liquid nitrogen into the area.  When the temperature drops to a lethal level for the termites, the nitrogen pump is removed.

Wood injection

Where drywood termite infestations are readily accessible and detectable, wood injection treatments can be used.  The procedure entails injecting insecticide into tiny holes drilled through the wood into the termite colonies beneath.  The treatment is simple and effective and remains active within the wood to deter any future infestations.

Although the pesticide used is toxic, it's not necessary to leave your home while treatment is being carried out because the chemicals are contained within the wood, rather than being distributed generally.

Borates

Drywood termites are very susceptible to boron salt.  Pest control companies often use borate spray and foam applications to treat uncoated wood surfaces as a means of preventing future drywood termite infestations.  This method is usually used where sections of infested wood have been removed and replaced.

Microwave energy

Microwave energy can be used to kill drywood termites in small areas of infested wood by heating them.  Although this method of treatment is very effective, it's only really suitable for small, localised infestations where access is straightforward.

Electrocution

Termites can be killed by electrocution.  A hand-held tool is slowly moved over the infested wood surface and a high voltage energy charge is passed through it.  This method is very effective but is only suitable for small infestations in easily accessible areas.

In conclusion

There are many different methods of treating drywood termites, depending upon the scale and location of the infestation.  Your local pest control company may recommend using one treatment in isolation, or a combination of several different techniques.  Have a chat with an adviser today for more information.