By DoMyOwn staff
If you have drywood termites in your
home, there are three methods of treatment available to you. Which method you
use depends on if the infested wood is visible and if the wood is raw or has
been stained, sealed, or painted.
We highly recommend that you contact
and use a reputable pest control company if you have a widespread infestation.
Widespread drywood termite infestations can be extremely hard to treat
yourself. You may even need to have your home tented and fumigated. Many
professional pest control companies will give you a free or low-cost inspection
if you need help determining your level of infestation.
Remove
or Replace Infested Wood
The simplest way to get rid of
drywood termites is to remove and/or replace infested wood. If the infestation
is localized to one or two pieces of easily accessible wood, you can simply
remove and replace the infested wood to effectively get rid of drywood termites
in your home. If the wood cannot be removed or replaced, see the methods below
for treatment options.
Treat
Unpainted or Raw Wood with Bora-Care
Bora-Care
is a concentrated borate-based product with a glycol (alcohol) base. When
applied to raw or unpainted/unstained wood, Bora-Care penetrates up to 4 inches
into the wood, making it more effective than other products. Drywood termites
that ingest wood that has been treated with Bora-Care will stop eating and die.
Bora-Care also prevents new termites from tubing into treated wood. If applied
correctly (according to the label) Bora-Care will offer protection for the
lifetime of the wood. That is why many homebuilders treat the studs of a home
with Bora-Care, which they may dye blue to show that wood has been treated.
To use Bora-Care, begin with the
following tools and products:
- Bora-Care
- A foaming solution if you decide to foam the Bora-Care
- A 5-gallon bucket
- A paint stirrer
- A hand pump sprayer, paint brush, paint roller, or foaming device
Products
needed for Method 2
$78.69
(248) 
$21.42
(159) 
$19.04
$67.32
(2)
Prepare
the Wood
Remember, Bora-Care can only be used
on wood that is not painted, stained, or sealed. You can use Bora-Care on wood
that has had the finish sanded off.
Mix
Bora-Care with Water
If you are treating wood that is
currently infested, mix 1-part Bora-Care with 1-part water. Bora-Care should
always be mixed in a 5-gallon bucket rather than directly in a hand pump
sprayer because it will clog the sprayer if not pre-mixed with water. We highly
recommend using hot water to mix with Bora-Care as the product is very thick
and viscous and can be hard to mix.
If you are treating wood that is not
infested, mix 1-part Bora-Care with 5-parts water.
Apply
Bora-Care to Wood
You can spray the product and water
mix onto wood with a hand-pump sprayer, foam into wall voids using a foaming
additive and device, or paint the water-product mixture directly onto the wood.
Most Bora-Care applications will require two coats for ideal results. Read the
product label for the optimal product-to-water mixture and the number of
applications needed for your situation.
The
Drill-and-Fill Method of Termite Treatment
If the infested wood is painted or
otherwise finished and the finish cannot be removed, you can use the
drill-and-fill method to treat for drywood termites.
To use the drill-and-fill method,
begin with the following tools and products:
- A foam or gel drywood termite insecticide such as Premise foam, FUSE foam, or Jecta
- A drill
- A 1/8" or 1/4" drill bit
Products
needed for Method 3
$29.92
(2) 
$22.50
(31)
$39.02
(2)
Drill
Your Holes
First, drill holes every 8 to 10
inches along and into the infested wood. You will know when you have hit the
nesting area of the termites (also called the gallery) because you will feel
less resistance while drilling.
Fill
Holes With Insecticide
Next, fill the holes with the
drywood termite insecticide product of your choice. Read the product label as a
guide for how much product should be used per hole.
Close
the Holes
Finally, close the holes. Use a wood
patch, putty, or other appropriate material to close or repair the holes made
in the wood by your treatment.
Remember, this
drywood termite treatment guide is meant to be used for smaller infestations.
If you have a large, overwhelming infestation, we highly recommend calling a
professional pest control company for help.
After
you have treated your home for termites, learn how to prevent a drywood termite infestation.
Click the right arrow below to read more.
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