Drywood Termites Guide

If you’ve discovered drywood termites in your home, there are three primary treatment methods you can use. The best approach depends on whether the infested wood is exposed and whether the wood is raw or finished with stain, sealant, or paint.

For severe or widespread infestations, it’s strongly recommended to consult a professional pest control company. Treating large-scale infestations can be challenging for homeowners, and in many cases, tenting and fumigation may be required. Many pest control professionals offer free or low-cost inspections to help assess the extent of your infestation and recommend the best course of action.

Addressing Drywood Termites through Wood Replacement

The easiest solution for eliminating drywood termites is to remove and replace the affected wood. If the infestation is confined to one or two easily accessible pieces of wood, replacing these sections can effectively resolve the problem. However, if the infested wood cannot be removed or replaced, consider the treatment methods outlined below as alternative solutions.

Bora-Care: A Long-Lasting Solution for Drywood Termites

Bora-Care is a borate-based, glycol-infused product designed for application on raw or unpainted wood. Its unique formulation allows it to penetrate up to 4 inches into the wood, making it significantly more effective than many other termite treatments. Drywood termites feeding on Bora-Care-treated wood will stop eating and eventually die. Additionally, Bora-Care creates a barrier that prevents new termites from entering treated wood. When applied correctly and according to the label, Bora-Care offers protection for the lifetime of the wood. For this reason, many builders pre-treat wooden studs with Bora-Care, sometimes adding a blue dye to indicate the wood has been treated.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Bora-Care
• Foaming solution (optional, for foaming applications)
• A 5-gallon bucket
• Paint stirrer
• Application tools: hand pump sprayer, paintbrush, paint roller, or foaming device

Bora-Care is effective only on unfinished wood. Ensure the wood you plan to treat is not painted, stained, or sealed. If the wood has a finish, sand it down before application.

If treating active infestations, mix 1-part Bora-Care with 1-part water. Always use a 5-gallon bucket for mixing instead of directly mixing in a sprayer to avoid clogging. Use hot water to help dissolve the product, as Bora-Care is thick and can be difficult to mix.

For preventative treatments on uninfested wood, mix 1-part Bora-Care with 5-parts water.

You can apply the Bora-Care mixture in one of three ways:

• Spraying: Use a hand-pump sprayer to coat the wood.
• Foaming: Add a foaming agent to the Bora-Care mixture and apply using a foaming device for wall voids or hard-to-reach spaces.
• Painting: Apply the Bora-Care mixture directly onto the wood using a paintbrush or roller.

For best results, most applications will require two coats. Always refer to the product label for the recommended mixture ratio and the number of applications required for your specific treatment needs.

If the infested wood is finished (painted, stained, or sealed) and the finish cannot be removed, the drill-and-fill method is an effective way to treat for drywood termites.

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Foam or gel insecticide for drywood termites, such as Premise Foam, FUSE Foam, or Jecta
• Drill
• Drill bit (1/8" or 1/4")

Drill holes spaced 8 to 10 inches apart along the length of the infested wood.

As you drill, you will notice less resistance when you reach termite galleries (the nesting areas inside the wood). This indicates that you’ve successfully accessed the infestation.

Inject your chosen foam or gel insecticide into each hole.

Follow the product label instructions to determine the appropriate amount of insecticide for each hole.

After treatment, close the holes using wood patch, putty, or any suitable material to repair the treated wood. This step helps restore the wood’s appearance and prevents further infestation.

By following this method, you can effectively treat termite infestations in finished wood without needing to strip the finish. Always refer to the insecticide label for specific application instructions to ensure effective and safe treatment.