Summer is finally here! The perfect time for sunbathing, swimming, hosting a backyard barbecue, and enjoying life at its best. Sadly, this also happens to be the termite swarm season.
Did you know termites cause an estimated $5 billion of property damage each year? Well, that’s the main reason why they’re top listed as the most destructive of all structural pests.
That said, seeing termites flying, whether inside or outside your home is a reason for concern as they cause costly damages.
The good news is there’re proven ways that can help you curb termites’ infestation or better yet protect your home before they attack.
Here is all you need to know about dry termites and ways you can protect your home during the drywood termite swarm season.
What Are Drywood Termites?
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites live and feed in dry wood and don’t come into contact with soil. They’re almost similar to ants in size; they have straight antennae, a rather wider waist, and same-sized wings.
Termite swarmers fly in groups of hundreds as they look for sites that they can build colonies.
They swarm over structures and gain entry through vents, small cracks, and crevices. Once they start a colony at a spot in a building, they then swarm and establish other colonies in the building.
They swarm during the warm season, and you can spot them with ease in droves at the back of your house.
The following are some of the best measures you can take to combat drywood termites:
Use Screens
One of the ways swarming termites enter into your home is through the vents. So, how do you ensure they don’t gain entry? Well, the ideal way of locking them outside is by ensuring all vents have screens in place.
You can get a 20-grade screen mesh or one that fits and properly seal the vents.
In extreme cases, you can as well place the screens on the windows and doors to prevent the entry of termite swarmers. Not to mention, you should also seal any hole or crack on wood that’s exposed.
Treat the Wood
There are woods such as bald cypress, usually considered as resistant to damage from drywood termites. It is, however, recommended that you treat the wood using insecticides such as Timbor or Dri-Out to prevent dry termites from digesting the wood.
These insecticides are the best since they low in toxicity to humans but a lot toxic to termites.
So, you will not be forced to relocate temporarily for this method to work without affecting you and your family.
Apply a Bait
Use of boric acid and bait station is another sure way to eliminate this menace. To begin with, you need to set a bait station and then spray the wood using boric acid.
Once the termites come closer to the bait, they are ruthlessly killed by the acid as it is highly toxic.
For you to combat this vermin and eliminate them entirely, you should ensure that you spray boric acid regularly.
Spray the Wood
If you choose to spray around your house, it’s best to hire a professional to do it for you as the chemicals used are mostly toxic to humans.
Mostly used termiticides and fungicides remain in the wood for years, if not months thus protecting your home against drywood termites.
Make sure you inquire from the pest control company about the type of spray products they use and their toxicity levels to safeguard the health of your family.
There are, however, other natural products that you can use instead of the toxic chemicals to keep termites at bay.
Orange oil is one of those natural products you can use as it contains a compound that kills termites instantly.
All you have to do is get some orange oil and spray it using a spray bottle in areas that are highly infested. You can also apply the oil to your furniture or even pour some into holes containing termites.
Relocate Firewood
Another sure way to combat drywood termites is by denying them food, which in this case is wood. If you use firewood for warming your living room, for instance, you’ll have to store it elsewhere away from your home as it attracts termites.
Other effective measure to curb the risk of drywood termite damage is by removing any tree stump, mulch, and wood around your home’s compound.
You can also introduce nematodes in your yard to feed on the drywood termites. Nematodes are considered as they can eliminate an entire colony of termites within no time.
Use Bug Zappers
Just like other flying insects, drywood termite swarmers are attracted by light. With this in mind, you should connect a bug zapper to attract termite swarms and electrocute them.
This method is common among professionals and it’s ideal for use outside your house. You can as well terminate termites using a flyswatter, though, not many people use this method.
Eliminate Drywood Termites with the Help of Professionals
Knowing how drywood termites look in appearance and the different methods of eliminating them is one step towards protecting your home during this termite swarm season.
However, since dry termites are relentless and can cause immense damage to your home, you may need the help of professionals.
Professionals will not only inspect your home but also provide you with top-notch pest control methods while ensuring your health.
Contact us today for the most affordable, reliable, and professional pest control services.