Health Hazards of Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are structural pests that exist in warm, dry climates or tropical climates. They inhabit dry wood typically found above the ground's surface, and they burrow deep into wood. Although there are no specific health hazards to humans or pets caused by these termites, they do destroy wooden structures and sometimes extensively. There are health risks associated with some products used to treat drywood termite infestations.

What are Drywood Termites?

• Drywood termites are commonly found in wood with low moisture content. These termites do not require contact with soil moisture in order to live. They are common in warm climates, specifically coastal regions such as Florida, California and Texas. Drywood termites can inhabit a roof and eaves, attics, furniture, outside fences, door and window frames, and deep inside walls. Since colonies are often small and found deep inside wood, they are difficult to detect. Colonies are also spread over a wide area.

Risk

• Drywood termite workers create tunnels in their colonies that cut across the wood's grain, making its internal structure weaker. Eventually the wood will fall, making it hazardous for homeowners. Damage occurs slowly and colonies are difficult to detect, so damage may be considerable by the time it is actually discovered. Serious damage can be done to buildings and other wood items, but these termites are not widespread. There may be fecal pellets that have accumulated below the site of infestation, as the workers push the pellets out of the colonies.

Treatment

• Various methods of treatment exist to eliminate drywood termites. Some have associated health hazards to humans, pets and the environment. Tenting is a method whereby a nylon or plastic tarp is draped over a building, its edges sealed, and a poisonous gas such as Vikane is pumped inside the building. Twelve to 24 hours later, the tarp is removed and the building is then ventilated for at least six hours. Vikane is a colorless, odorless gas that dissipates quickly, but according to the Fleas and Humans website, it is considered toxic and long-term exposure can cause bone and blood problems. Limited control for smaller infestations is sometimes achieved through treating individual colonies by drilling into wood pieces during construction or remodeling and injecting insecticide, which can also pose a health risk.

Safer Termite Treatment

• While fumigation can completely rid a house of termites, some people are not comfortable with the tenting process and chemicals used. Tenting also can be performed using hot air alone as a fumigant. This treatment method is not available in all areas, but it is safer than poison gas fumigation. The temperature within the home is raised to approximately 120 degrees and this kills termites and their eggs. The core of the wood needs to reach this temperature to be effective. Another alternative to tenting with poison gas is microwaving. Microwave devices cause termite body fluids to boil, destroying them. The microwaves must be applied directly and they can possibly damage wood boards.

Preventing Drywood Termite Infestation

• Drywood termite infestations can be prevented,which is a less hazardous method of dealing with these pests. Wood should be sealed or surface-treated with copper-arsenate preservative, borate or paint. These treatments will prevent an initial wood attack. Cracks and cuts in the wood need to be retreated or filled. Physical barriers can be placed around house vents so that the winged alates, which are reproductive and tend to swarm, are kept out. Eliminate sources of infestation such as firewood piles and scraps of wood in the yard.