Drywood Termites live inside wood for the total time of their life. They feed on anything that has cellulose, books, cardboard, paper on drywall covering, tree stumps, and construction lumber. Drywood termites prefer feeding on 10 percent moisture content soft woods. A common misconception is they won’t consume hardwoods or redwoods. Although, some woods have a resistant property like redwood it still can be attacked by termites. Termite workers consume the wood that is then digested by small single cell protozoa inside the termite gut that allows the termite to get the nutrients needed for survival. After the protozoa extracts the nutrient the rest of the wood is pushed out in the shape of a small elongated (pellet) piece of wood with 6 hexagonal ridges on it. Sometimes American Cockroach droppings and be confused with Drywood termite droppings or pellets and are distinguished by the absence or presents of the hexagonal ridges. Termites eat 24 hours 7 days a week. Although, it would be hard to speculate how fast and how much damage a termite colony can do, what is known is that the more time a termite colony has to grow in size the damage can happen exponentially. It is estimated that termites damage 5 billion dollars a year.
To learn more about termites and how to rid your home or facility of them please contact 1st Stryke Pest and Termite Control or visit our Termite Services Page
