Nov 18, 2022, 12:17 PM by Fred Speer

Termites are a constant threat to California homes. While subterranean termites usually grab the headlines about pests that cause significant structural damage to homes and other structures, there is another termite species you should know about: drywood termites.

Unlike their subterranean relatives that do most of their work out of sight in the soil surrounding your home, drywood termites live above ground – in the exterior-facing wood in and around a house. The flying adults, called swarmers, can be seen on the exterior of a home on sunny fall days, after a spike in the thermometer follows cooler temperatures.

Clark, your friendly pest control, mosquito, rodent, and grounds care expert, would like to make you aware that even though the days are getting shorter, drywood termites are still a threat to be reckoned with.

Drywood termite zones

Drywood termites are obscure insects that are difficult to detect. They live deep inside wood, and aside from the times when they are swarming or when repair work is being done on infested homes, they are seldom seen.

Colonies are typically smaller – usually fewer than 1,000 individuals – compared to their subterranean relatives. A drywood termite colony can be widely dispersed in a home, and can take years to mature.

What areas of a home are most susceptible to drywood termites?

• Wood siding and wooden roof shingles
• Wood framing and support in attics
• Wood molding and framing around windows and doors
• Eaves and overhangs
• Protected joints or crevices in and around doors

How drywood termites damage a home

Drywood termites can stay dormant for extended periods of time – sometimes for more than a year – and then re-emerge stronger and hungrier than ever. They also are creatures of habit, and will re-infest the exact same location in a home, causing further damage.

How can drywood termites damage your home? They excavate small tunnels into the wood, close it behind them, and create a hollowed-out chamber that depletes the structural integrity of the wood.

Knowing where to look for drywood termites, analyzing the findings of the inspection, and determining whether a treatment is needed and, if so, what kind of treatment will eliminate these destructive pests, is a task best left to an expert.

Drywood termite treatments are often categorized as a whole structure or localized. The termite experts at Clark Pest Control will help determine what treatment plan will deliver the best results.

Whole-structure treatments are defined as the simultaneous treatment of all infestations, accessible and inaccessible, in a structure. Localized or spot treatments are more restrictive and are often applied to a single board or small group of boards.

Drywood termite protection for your home: call Clark

For maximum protection against termites, make sure you inquire about Clark Pest Control’s exclusive Termite Infestation Protection (T.I.P.) program, which is designed to cover your home from future infestations and damages caused by all species of termites.

Call California’s trusted, friendly pest control experts at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to schedule your home wellness check and get ahead of drywood termites and other pest issues.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.