How To Prevent Drywood Termites In Las Vegas, NV

Not all termites are created equal — in fact, drywood termites are much different from the typical subterranean termites that infest properties in the U.S. These little pests can cause massive structural damage if left untreated, and spotting an infestation isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s so important to know how to prevent drywood termites in Las Vegas.

What Are Drywood Termites?

Generally speaking, termites can be divided into three main categories: subterranean termites, dampwood termites, and drywood termites. Drywood termites are named for their tendency to infest (you guessed it) dry wooden materials with relatively low moisture. While subterranean termites are incredibly dependent on a constant level of moisture and humidity to keep from drying out, drywood termites take all the moisture they need from the air and the wood they eat.

The typical drywood termite is about 3/8 to 1 inch long and is pale yellow to light brown in color. Drywood swarmers, or flying reproductive termites, typically appear outdoors on sunny days following a sudden rise in temperature. Most colonies average around 2,000 members and nest directly in the wood they infest rather than underground.

Signs Of Drywood Termites

Termite infestations can be difficult to detect, and drywood termites are no exception.

However, there are a few reliable indicators of their presence on your property:

• Frass – The polite name for termite droppings, this sawdust-like material will accumulate in small piles around windowsills, doorframes, and other wooden structures infested by drywood termites.
• Blistering wallpaper – Large bubbles or blisters in wallpaper and paint are often a sign of termite activity.
• Hollow wood – Wooden furniture, beams, or other wooden structural elements that sound hollow when tapped might be infested with termites.
• Swarmers – Flying reproductive termites swarming in your yard are a sign of a mature termite colony nearby. Discarded wings are a sign of swarmer activity.

Why You Should Call The Experts

A drywood termite infestation can be almost impossible to eliminate on your own. Store-bought baits and traps are often avoided by termites entirely, and DIY methods like diatomaceous earth and essential oils can make a huge mess. And that’s if you even notice that you have a termite problem, which most property owners don’t realize until significant structural damage has already been done.

That’s why the best way to prevent and eliminate drywood termites on your Las Vegas property is with expert termite control from Pest Control Solutions Inc. We’ll pinpoint your termite infestation, treat the problem, and prevent future infestations from taking place.

How To Prevent Drywood Termites

Before you call the experts, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent drywood termite infestations on your property.

Some easy adjustments you can make include:

• Storing firewood – Keep any firewood stored at least 20 feet from the property on an elevated platform and covered with a tarp.
• Sealing entrances – Check for any cracks or gaps around doors and windows, as well as around any water, electrical, or gas lines leading into your property, and seal with silicone caulk.
• Examining wood – Before you bring home any lumber or secondhand furniture, inspect it for drywood termites. Check for hollow-sounding wood, frass, or signs of visible damage.
• Painting wood – Simply applying a fresh coat of paint to exposed or damaged wooden siding can greatly reduce the chances of a drywood termite infestation.
• Removing yard waste – Get rid of any leaf piles, logs, or stumps that could attract hungry termites to your property.

For more tips on drywood termite prevention and the best pest control in Las Vegas, contact Pest Control Solutions Inc. today. We offer a wide range of services including home pest control, commercial pest control and effective termite control to get rid of the wood eating pests destroying your property.