Powder Post Termites (Cryptotermes brevis) are often called West Indian powder post termites. They are relatives to the dry wood termites, and are found along the eastern seaboard, ranging from Virginia to Florida and Louisiana. There have also been some unconfirmed reports of the pests turning up along the pacific coast in Northern California.
Controlling Powder Post Termites
This variety of termite can be controlled with direct wood treatment or fumigation, just like their relative, the drywood termite. These termites do not always cause widespread structural damage. Sometimes the infestations are small and localized and thus can be treated with spot and localized wood treatments, foams, as well as dusts.
Hypodermic Syringes Used for Treatment
Insecticides can be injected directly into the pests’ galleries. This is especially helpful if the infestation is in pieces of furniture. A pest control specialist can use a hypodermic syringe to inject controlling materials like insectidical dust into their galleries, thus directly treating the infestation without causing disfiguring holes in the furniture.
Preventing Termite Infestations
There are measures you can take to prevent drywood termite infestations. Lumber, especially secondhand lumber, should be closely inspected before being used for construction purposes. Any lumber found to have damage or signs of an infestation should be destroyed. Never use moist or moisture-damaged wood. When preventing termites in existing buildings, all doors, windows, and other areas that provide ventilation should be screened with 20-mesh non-corrodible metal wire cloth. This will prevent winged termites from entering into the home to establish new colonies. Chemically treated wood can also safeguard against termite attack. Naturally termite-resistant woods like cedar, bois d’ ark, and redwood can also be used.
Need help in Scottsdale? Visit Termite Control Scottsdale.
Arizona Termite Control
Contact Info:
Mesa Termite Control
625 W. Southern Ave
Suite #E-230
Mesa AZ 85210
(480) 582-0996
License # 8918
