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Gulf Coast Pest Control can perform a Houston, Texas localized  Drywood termite extermination, control, treatment, service. Using a residual Chemical application. In many cases, without the need for tenting. Effectiveness varies depending on chemical and application coverage. In a lot of cases Drywood termites can be cut out and the area's around the drywood termite infestation treated, the just repair the area. When the infected area has been exposed. Our inspector will inspect your property. After the visual inspection he will discuss treatment options. In Some cases Tenting, Heat, Microwaves, Electrocution, Liquid nitrogen, are your best option to eradicate drywood termites.. However, we only provide isolated treatment.

                                                                           Biology   

Swarmers are usually about 3/8 – 5/8 inches in length (including wings)
Body is usually a light yellowish brown color.
Does not have a frontal gland pore.
The wings have 3 or more dark, hard veins in the front ½ portion but the wing does not contain hairs.

  Fecal pellets are hard, elongated, oval-shaped, less than 1 mm long, and have 6 concave sides. ( Enlarged yellow salt and pepper look )

                                                             Drywood Termite Habits  

The dead trees, branches, brush and firewood from residential areas are the primary habitat of drywood termites. When land is cleared and houses or other buildings constructed, those structures are then at risk to attack. Drywood termites enter our structures through attic or foundation vents, through or under wood shingles, under eaves, fascia boards, and through natural cracks, checks and joints in exposed wood trim, window and door frames and sills. Drywood termite swarmer's often penetrate flat wood surfaces, but most prefer to wedge themselves into narrow places to begin tunneling. However, attic areas are normally vented and wood trim is still commonly used externally

 

Drywood termites never need a link to the soil to obtain the water needed to support their colony. They live in wood with a low moisture content -- 12% or less.  Dry Wood termites do not build mud tunnels, and their colonies are smaller.  However, they can still do a lot of damage to a home if ignored. And the worst thing about this type of termite, is that they are virtually impossible to detect and locate inside a structure.

They eat across the grain making chambers / galleries.  They have smaller colonies, most of the time less than 8,000 nest mates. So damage occurs more slowly than with subterranean termites.

 

Drywood termites will spend their entire lives inside wood. They construct tiny round “kick holes” in infested wood, through which the fecal pellets can be eliminated from the galleries or tunnels. These pellets accumulate in small piles below the kick holes, or other exit areas, or will be scattered.

 

                                                                    Prevention    

Drywood termites will not enter wood that has a sound coat of paint. Before painting, seal any cracks, natural checks, construction scars, crevices and joints with wood putty.

 

There is no effective way at this time to prevent drywood termites from entering under or through wood shingles

                                                               Treatment methods     

 

Where the infestation is limited. Replace the infested wood area(s) remove and replace damaged wood, preferably with pressure-treated wood that will protect against both termites and wood decay. Have a dry wood termite exterminator apply special formulations of wood preservatives to that area. They penetrate fairly deep into unpainted wood surfaces, particularly cut ends and structural joints. Certain precautions are necessary to protect ceilings and painted surfaces from staining. Always replace damaged or infested wood with pressure treated woods

 

   If infestation's) are widespread or suspected in areas that cannot be inspected or replaced (such as in wood shingles, between walls, eaves, etc:. ) That usually requires Fumigation, by erecting a huge colored tent over the house or structure and pumping gas into the tent. The gas penetrates into cracks, crevices, any void areas and directly into wood to kill termite colonies. Lethal concentrations are contained  long enough to permit uniform penetration deep into all infested areas.

 

Some Treatment methods include

 

• Tenting - 99%  effective    No residual

 

• Heat - 95%  effective Can be a problem for electronic equipment, toilets sealed using wax rings. no residual

 

• Liquid Chemical - 90% - 100%  effective   Depends on how well it was applied. Can be used as a preventive. A green product with a    Residual 

 

• Liquid nitrogen - 90% - effective Some drilling may be required. No residual

 

• Microwaves - 90%  effective Possible heat damage.  No residual

 

• Electrocution -10- 99% effective More effective when more holes are drilled.     No residual

All but one of these methods can be a very costly process and their is no residual benefit to you the home owner / buyer.