How to get rid of drywood termites in the wall?

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Almost every property owner in California at some point in time must deal with termites in their wall, or structure. With not much experience, these homeowners are left to wonder what the best way would be to control the problem and fully exterminate the infestation. Not to worry, I will try to clear this up as best as possible for you.

The first and most important step in resolving any wood destroying organism infestation on your structure is to have a proper inspection completed on the area. This is recommended to be completed by a professional and licensed technician, who with his knowledge and experience will lay out a plan to bring your property back to its original condition

It is complicated to achieve a proper inspection on areas that are inaccessible. The inspector can look at what is available and try to find where the infestation is located. Another alternative is to use a borescope via small penetrations to the wall to achieve a clearer and more complete picture. When inspecting the area for an infestation, we look for signs like:

1. Exit Holes
2. Dead termites or swarmers
3. Wings
4. Pellets (termite poop)
5. Damage (ex. Tunnels)

Depending on the findings there will normally be a couple of options on how to control the problem in your walls. (Remember to check with your licensed technician to see what will work for you.)

1. Structural Fumigation
   1. Normally the preferred solution to control infestations of drywood termites inside of walls or other inaccessible areas. This process normally takes 3 days to complete, and it is so by following the California Aeration Plan. Homeowners / tenants must prepare the structure for the process. Your technician will provide you with detailed instructions on how to do this. Normally it includes bagging / removing consumable items as well as removing all living creatures (persons, dogs, cats, plants, etc).
2. Local Treatment
   1. Not the best solution for inaccessible areas, normally used on accessible and exposed areas. However, for situations like apartment buildings or duplexes, it may be the only viable option for a temporary solution. This is as well an alternative for property owners or tenants that do not wish to move out or go through the process of a structural fumigation.
3. Orange Oil Treatment with XT-2000
   1. Another local treatment alternative is to treat the areas affected with XT-2000. This is a great alternative for property owners that are looking for a more environmentally friendly solution.

In addition to controlling the infestation, repairs may need to be completed to the affected areas. For this it is best that you find a licensed contractor that you trust and that can assist you in resolving any damage that may had occurred. For this there is a great variety of solution, which will vary and depend greatly on the area and extent of the damage. It could be from just an exit hole that needs to be re-finished to a full structural load-bearing wall framing replacement or the longer that they are left on the property, the worst it will usually get.

It is recommended to address any infestations from termites or other pests that you may have in your walls or structure as soon as possible. Usually, the infestation will not be resolved by not taking any action, that normally only allows it to expand and create more damage. This is just general information, for a proper answer make sure to contact us at (619) 421 – 2101 for an inspection of the areas. We will try to assist you and create a personalized plan to control your current problem and that follows your ideas and budget.