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Drywood Termites

Identification

Behaviour

Signs of Infestation

Health Risks

Control Methods

Prevention Tips

Additional Information

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Drywood termites, also known as “Kiri veya” in Sri Lanka, are a persistent threat to wooden structures and furniture.

Identification

  • Physical description: Drywood termites are typically light brown to dark brown in color, measuring around 4-10mm long. Soldier termites have large heads with strong mandibles for defense, while worker termites have smaller heads and are responsible for foraging and nest building.
  • Habitat: They infest dry wood within buildings, furniture, and wooden structures. Unlike subterranean termites, they don’t require contact with soil and can establish themselves anywhere with suitable wood.
  • Feeding habits: Drywood termites feed on cellulose, the main component of wood. They can consume furniture, beams, floors, shelves, and other wooden structures.

Behaviour

  • Life cycle: Drywood termites undergo a complete metamorphosis with four stages: egg, nymph (several instars), soldier, and reproductive caste (alate). The queen lays eggs within a nest built inside the wood. Nymphs develop through several molts before becoming workers or soldiers. Alates (swarmers) with wings emerge from the nest to establish new colonies.
  • Activity patterns: Activity can occur throughout the year, but swarming flights are more frequent during warm, humid periods. They are primarily nocturnal but may forage for food during the day.

Signs of Infestation

  • Visual signs:
    • Frass (termite droppings): Small piles of wood pellets (often hexagonal) near infested wood or furniture.
    • Exit holes: Small, round holes (around 3mm) on the surface of wood where termites have emerged.
    • Shelter tubes: Mud or carton tunnels built by termites on wood surfaces or along walls to access food sources without exposure. (Drywood termites may not always create these tubes, unlike subterranean termites).
    • Damaged wood: Hollow-sounding wood, sunken areas, or visible cracks and weakness in wooden structures.
  • Behavioral signs: Presences of swarmers with wings, especially near windows or lights during swarming seasons.

Health Risks

●      While drywood termites don’t directly harm humans, they can cause significant structural damage to buildings and furniture, leading to costly repairs and replacements.

Control Methods

  • Physical removal: Small infestations might be controllable by physically removing accessible nests and affected wood sections.
  • Insecticides: Apply professional-grade liquid insecticides directly to termite galleries and affected wood, following safety instructions carefully.
  • Baiting systems: These targeted bait stations contain slow-acting poison that termites carry back to the nest, eliminating the colony.
  • Fumigation: In severe cases, fumigation using a professional pest control company might be necessary to ensure complete eradication.

Prevention Tips

  • Moisture control: Reduce humidity levels around your property by fixing leaky pipes and ensuring proper ventilation.
  • Wood treatment: Treat exposed wood with termite-resistant borate solutions before construction or during furniture repairs.
  • Regular inspections: Regularly inspect wooden structures and furniture for signs of termite activity.

Additional Information

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