Termite Tenting and Trees

Drywood Termites

• Drywood termites exist along most U.S. coastal regions as well as in southern California, including the California desert areas. As their name implies, drywood termites feed off dry wood, such as dead tree limbs and structural wood or lumber. During seasonal changes, drywood termites can migrate from natural settings to building structures to maintain their food supply during the cold months. According to the University of Florida, termite tenting uses a toxic gas called sulfuryl fluoride and has proved an effective method for getting rid of drywood termites. Tenting uses a tarpaulin covering that completely encloses a home or building to suffocate existing termite populations. As drywood termites originate from exterior wood structures such as dead tree limbs and lumber, treating infested exterior areas can prevent re-infestation.

Dampwood Termites

• Moist wood, rotting tree stumps and fallen trees provide the most livable condition for dampwood termite populations. According to the University of California, this breed is typically confined to the California and Pacific Northwest areas. As moist or rotting wood also forms inside home and building structures, dampwood termites can live and breed inside building structures where rotting or moist wood appears. Since dampwood termites can only survive inside moist wood, eliminating this breed may simply require the removal or replacement of rotted wood structures. Homes affected by massive infestations may require termite tenting to eliminate existing termite colonies.

Formasan Termites

• Formasan termites, also known as "super termites," exist as a subterranean breed within the termite family. Formasan termites feed in areas where wood makes contact with the soil, such as old tree stumps and the bases of poles and buildings, according to the University of Florida. Unlike other breeds, Formasan termites also feed off living trees and plants as well as any other cellulose-based materials. As subterranean insects, this breed builds nests in the soil as well as inside wood materials. As a result, termite tenting solutions should also include treatments to the surrounding soil environment as well as to any nearby tree affected by termites. Soil and tree treatments inject termiticide solutions or foams into the areas and channels where termites live and travel.