Drywood termite facts & identification

Drywood termite identification

Drywood termites are different from other types of termites because they don’t need soil to survive. Instead, they live, feed, and build their colonies entirely inside dry wood. That’s what makes them so hard to spot, and even harder to get rid of. 

Like other termites, they have a caste system with workers, soldiers, and reproductive members. Seeing flying termites (swarms) can be a sign of an infestation.

While not as damaging as subterranean termites, drywood termites can still harm buildings. They usually leave behind signs like dropped wings, feces, or frass (wood dust from chewing). They feed on cellulose in wood but prefer dry, solid wood over moist, soft wood. Unlike other termites, they chew across the grain, which can seriously weaken structures.

They are mostly found in warm parts of the U.S., especially near the coast or in southern states.

What do drywood termites look like?

These termites don’t all look the same because their appearance depends on their role in the colony. Winged swarmers, which fly off to start new colonies, are reddish-brown and about half an inch long. They have two pairs of equal-length wings that extend beyond their bodies, though these wings usually fall off soon after swarming. 

Soldiers look different; they have big, dark brown heads and strong jaws designed to protect the colony from threats.

You’re unlikely to see the other members of a drywood termite colony because they’re nymphs – soft, pale, and usually hidden deep inside the wood, quietly doing the work that keeps the colony going.

Signs of drywood termite infestation

One of the first signs of a drywood termite infestation is something called frass. It’s a fancy word for termite droppings, and it looks like tiny piles of sawdust. You might find it under furniture, along windowsills, or anywhere termites are active.

Other signs include blistered or bulging wood, paint that seems to bubble, or wood that sounds hollow when tapped. You might even see small holes in wooden surfaces where termites have kicked frass out. And you might also spot shed wings from swarmers, often found near lights or windows after they’ve left the colony.

Drywood termites often swarm after rain and warmer temperatures. Swarms signal a new colony trying to settle nearby. While you might see them indoors or outside, swarms near or inside a building usually mean the source is within, or very close, as termites are poor fliers.

Habitat, diet, life cycle & behaviors

Drywood termites live in dry wood, but there’s more to know about where they hide, what they eat, and how they live. Some more drywood termite facts:

Where do drywood termites live?

Drywood termites are most common in warmer, tropical climates where winters are mild. Unlike other termites that need moist soil, drywood termites live entirely inside wood. You’ll often find them in things like wood framing, floors, trim, doors, window frames, and even wooden furniture. Attics are common places too, because they’re warm and dry.

They can also get into stored wood, picture frames, and wooden decorations. Because they don’t need to stay connected to the ground, they can live in places you might not think to check.

Diet

Their diet is pretty simple: wood. More specifically, they eat cellulose, which is the main part of wood. They get everything they need to survive from the wood they’re eating—so they don’t have to leave the colony often.

That’s what makes them hard to spot. Unlike termites that travel from the ground into buildings, drywood termites spend all their time hidden inside what they’re eating.

Are drywood termites dangerous?

Drywood termites don’t bite or pose a health risk to humans. The real threat is in the damage that they can cause. Their activity often goes unnoticed for a long time, allowing colonies to grow. With large numbers within hidden nests, they can seriously damage wood structures before being detected.

Since they live entirely in wood, they can weaken anything from doorframes and floorboards to antique furniture, which can be hazardous to your building’s structure.

If you press on a wall and it feels soft, or if your floorboards start to sag, drywood termites could be the reason. 

Unlike pests that leave messes or smells, these termites may leave behind damage that’s costly to repair. If they get into support beams or floor joists, you could be looking at expensive repairs.

How to get rid of drywood termites?

Because they live deep inside wood, drywood termites are tough to reach. That’s why do-it-yourself solutions usually don’t work very well. Sprays and foams can’t get into all the tunnels, and even if you kill some termites, the colony can keep going.

Professional pest control is the best way to stop a drywood termite infestation. Our termite control technicians know where to look and what to use to get to the heart of the problem. After treatment, we will also help you understand how the termites got in, and what to do to stop them from coming back. That might mean sealing any cracks and crevices to block easy entry points and thoroughly checking wooden furniture before bringing it inside.

Drywood termite prevention tips

Preventing drywood termites starts with making your space less welcoming to them. Since they don’t need soil or moisture, you’ll need to protect the wood itself. Here are some practical steps:

• Seal up any cracks or gaps in walls, foundations, or around windows and doors.
• Make sure your attic and crawlspaces have proper airflow and stay dry.
• Inspect wooden furniture and secondhand items before bringing them inside.
• Keep firewood stored off the ground and away from your building.
• Use treated wood during home repairs or building projects.
• Routinely inspect your home for signs of termites.

Drywood termites can sneak in through small entry points. Some people try spraying wood with orange oil to help discourage these termites, but it’s not a guaranteed fix. DIY methods can’t fully prevent an infestation or get rid of one that’s already there.

The only real way to stop these pests in their tracks is with the help of our professional termite technicians.

Need help with termite pest control?

Drywood termites are quiet but persistent. By the time you see the signs, they may have been working for years. That’s why fast action matters.

At Western Exterminator, our termite technicians know how to spot the signs of potential infestations. We offer custom treatments that target the whole colony, not just the surface. From detailed inspection to identify the correct termite species to highly effective treatment methods, we’re here to protect your home or business.

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