Drywood termites are a major pest problem for homeowners in New Orleans, especially in coastal areas where warm, humid weather helps termites thrive. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don’t need soil to survive. They make their homes in wooden structures, feeding on cellulose and causing serious termite damage.
If you suspect a drywood termite infestation, acting quickly to protect your home is important.
Key Takeaways
- Termites in New Orleans cause damage, with signs like frass, swarmers, small holes, and hollow wood.
- Treatments include fumigation, spot treatments, heat, wood treatments, and simple DIY solutions for small problems.
- Prevent termites by sealing cracks, fixing leaks, using treated wood, inspecting often, and replacing damaged wood.
- Pest control services can offer fast service, expert treatments, and prevention solutions trusted by New Orleans homeowners.
SIGNS YOU NEED TO GET RID OF INFESTATIONS
In New Orleans, drywood termites often go unnoticed until they’ve caused significant structural damage. Besides mud tubes, look out for these common signs of termites:
- Frass: These tiny fecal pellets look like sawdust and pile up near infested wood.
- Swarmers: Also known as winged termites, they appear during warm weather to start new drywood termite colonies.
- Small Holes: Drywood termites drill holes, called kick-out holes, to push out frass.
- Damaged Wood: Wood that sounds hollow or has termite galleries inside is a red flag.
- Exposed Wood: Termites often target untreated or moisture-damaged wooden structures.
- Termite Droppings: These droppings may look like dirt but are a clear sign of termite activity.
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to explore termite control options.
DRYWOOD TERMITE TREATMENT OPTIONS
Drywood termite infestations need to be addressed quickly to prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of the problem, here are some of the best termite treatment methods:
Fumigation
Fumigation is the best way to eliminate termites throughout your home, even in hard-to-reach places. As part of professional pest control services, this method involves tenting your home. After that, it will pump in gas that kills termites at every stage of life.
This is a reliable solution for severe infestations but needs preparation.
Spot Treatment
Spot treatments target specific areas where termite activity has been found.
EPA-approved products have active ingredients injected into termite galleries to kill termites directly. This method works for smaller infestations and can prevent the problem from spreading further.
Heat Treatments
Heat treatments are chemical-free and work by raising the temperature in the affected area to kill termites and their eggs.
It’s a good drywood termite control for smaller infestations or when the problem is limited to a specific area of your home, like furniture or walls.
Wood Treatments
Applying borate to wood helps kill termites on contact and stops them from forming new colonies. This is especially useful for preventing infestations during home construction or renovations.
Treated wood also helps with termite prevention when the termite season starts.
DIY Treatments
DIY treatment methods, such as boric acid sprays and orange oil, can help with minor termite problems. However, these treatments often don’t reach deep into the wood where colonies hide.
They’re best used as a temporary fix until you can schedule a professional inspection.
PREVENTING FUTURE TERMITE PROBLEMS
The warm and humid climate in New Orleans makes homes more vulnerable to termite infestations. Here’s how you can prevent them:
- Regularly check for small holes, termite droppings, or damaged wood.
- Close off crevices, voids, cracks, and other entry points in wooden structures.
- Fix leaks, improve ventilation, and keep your home dry to deter termites.
- Always use treated wood to help prevent infestations.
- Replace any damaged or infested wood quickly to stop termites from spreading.
PROTECT YOUR HOME TODAY WITH PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL COMPANY
Unlike other types of termites, drywood termites are hard to eliminate without professional help because they live deep inside the wood. So, don’t wait to address a termite infestation.
At LaJaunie’s Pest Control, our pest control experts specialize in termite treatment, control, and prevention for homes in New Orleans and other coastal areas. Here’s why homeowners trust us:
- Same-Day Service: We respond quickly to termite problems.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: We won’t stop until your home is termite-free.
- Experienced Exterminators: Our team understands the termite species common in Louisiana, like drywood and subterranean termites, and uses the best treatment options for each.
Call us today to schedule a termite inspection and discuss your treatment options.