Native Drywood Termites and West Indian Drywood Termites: What You Need to Know
Drywood termites are a type of termite that can infest homes and other structures made of wood and they don't have any ground contact so bait stations or chemical barriers won't protect against them, even your annual inspection won't cover these termites.
They are found in many parts of the world, including Australia. There are two main types of drywood termites in Australia: native drywood termites and West Indian drywood termites.
Native drywood termites are the most common type of termite in Australia. They are found in all states and territories, and they can infest a wide range of timbers, including hardwood and softwood. Native drywood termites are small, measuring about 5mm in length. They are pale yellow or brown in color, and they have a distinctive black head.
There are a number of different species of native drywood termites in Australia, including:
Cryptotermes primus
Cryptotermes cynocephalus
Cryptotermes domesticus
Cryptotermes dudleyi
These species are all relatively small and inconspicuous, and they can be difficult to detect. They typically live in small colonies, and they can infest a wide range of timbers, including hardwood and softwood.
West Indian drywood termites are not native to Australia, but they have been introduced to the country and are now found in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. West Indian drywood termites are similar in appearance to native drywood termites, but they are slightly larger, measuring about 6mm in length.
Signs of a drywood termite infestation
There are a number of signs that can indicate that you have a drywood termite infestation. These include:
Termite droppings (frass) on the ground or around your home which look like small pellets.
Damaged wood
Swarmers (winged termites) in your home
Treatment for drywood termite infestations
If you have a drywood termite infestation, there are a number of treatment options available. The most common treatment is to apply a liquid termiticide to the infested area. This termiticide will kill the termites and prevent them from returning. In some cases, it may also be necessary to fumigate your home.
Wipeout Termites and Pests is a leading pest control company on the Sunshine Coast and Northside of Brisbane. We offer a range of drywood termite control services, including drywood termite inspections, drywood termite treatments, and drywood termite fumigation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Please note: Chemical barriers are not used to treat drywood termite infestations, as they are not effective only liquid termiticides or fumigation.
Wipeout Termites and Pests is a leading pest control company on the Sunshine Coast and Northside of Brisbane. We offer a range of drywood termite control services, including drywood termite inspections, drywood termite treatments, and can organise drywood termite fumigation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Find out more about Wipeout termite inspection services
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