Are Drywood Termites More Destructive Than Other Florida Termite Species?
Florida is known for its termites. In Jacksonville, there are many different species of termite that may attack a home, with species that include Eastern Subterranean Termites, Drywood Termites, Formosan Termites, and a few others that are present, but less common.
One species that is common in Jacksonville is the Drywood Termite. Some, like the Powderpost Drywood Termite, are specifically native to Florida, while others migrated to the Jacksonville area from all over the world. Handling these types of drywood termites are a specialty of ours here at Bug-Man Pest Control. We are known throughout the region as the primary choice for eliminating these destructive pests.
How Destructive Are Drywood Termites?
There has long been a narrative that drywood termites are not as destructive as other termites. Even though they can cause thousands of dollars in damage to a home and thousands more in lost property values, there are some that believe that drywood termites are preferred over others, such as Formosan and Eastern Subterranean, because the latter two both tend to breed faster, have larger colonies, and are able to eat and process wood at a much faster rate.
However, there is an argument to be made that while drywood termites are not as destructive as a colony compared to their termite relatives, they can be more destructive to a home. The reason for this is because of where they live.
Identifying Drywood Termite Infestations Early is a Challenge
Subterranean termite species tend to be more destructive. But for those that know what to look for, they may also be easier to catch. That is because:
- These types of termites live within the soil (hence the term “subterranean”), and in order to infest a property, they need to be able to create mud tunnels that protect them from the sun and predators. Spot any of those mud tunnels anywhere near your property and you know you have a termite infestation.
- These types of termites also eat through the wood fibers, which can leave weak spots, holes, visible signs of damaged wood. See any of that damaged wood and chances are you will be able to spot termites.
The same cannot be said about drywood termites. Drywood termites live inside galleries they make within wood itself, with no visible tunnels or shelters. They also only tend to eat the inner wood, and often leave the outer layers untouched.
So while the subterranean species do damage faster, they’re also easier to catch or find early, while drywood termites may feed for months or years without a homeowner realizing they have an invasion. Drywood termites may be preferable to subterranean if you had to choose, but by the time you notice their damage it may already be too late.
There is also a difference in cost. Drywood termite removal requires tent fumigation and an extensive setup to eliminate all of the colonies. Subterranean species generally do not. That means that even smaller colonies of drywood termites may cost 3 to 4x what it costs to eliminate subterranean species.
Tent Fumigation and Drywood Termite Control in Jacksonville with Bug-Man Pest Control
Luckily, you don’t have to choose between termite species. You simply have to eliminate them. At Bug-Man Pest Control, our team of skilled termite exterminators is here to inspect and eliminate any type of termite that you may have on your property, and can often come to your home right away to inspect and provide a game plan to eliminate drywood termites and prevent further damage. For more information, call us today at 904-299-8552.
