Drywood termite facts & identification

Drywood termites are a major concern for homeowners, especially in areas with warm climates. Unlike subterranean termites, which require contact with soil, drywood termites infest dry wood directly, often causing significant damage to homes, wooden furniture, and other wooden structures. This guide provides essential information on how to identify drywood termites, understand their behavior, and take the necessary steps to prevent or treat an infestation.

Drywood termite identification

What do drywood termites look like?

Drywood termites have distinct straight antennae and short legs, which differentiate them from other pests like ants. Their wings have a distinctive vein pattern that can help in identification after they have shed their wings. Like other termite species, they have distinct physical characteristics depending on their caste within the colony. These castes include workers, soldiers, and reproductives (alates or swarmers).

Workers are about 3/8 inch long and pale white to cream in color. They have soft bodies and short legs, helping them navigate tight spaces within wood. Workers are responsible for feeding the colony and tending to the young.

Soldiers are larger than workers, usually around 1/2 inch long. They have a darker, more pronounced head equipped with large mandibles (pincers) used to defend the colony from predators. Their heads are often reddish-brown, contrasting with their lighter-colored bodies.

Reproductives (alates), also known as swarmers, are the reproductive members of the colony. They are darker, typically brown or black, and have two pairs of wings of equal length. Alates are responsible for flying out of the colony during swarming season to start new colonies. Their wings are long and translucent, often breaking off after swarming.

For more detailed information on what termites look like, see our termite identification page.

Signs of drywood termite infestation

Detecting an infestation early can save you from extensive termite damage to drywall, wooden structures, and furniture. Common signs of a drywood termite infestation include fecal pellets (frass) – small, oval-shaped fecal pellets, often found near the infested wood. These pellets are often referred to as "kick-out frass" and are a clear indication of termite activity (see image below).

The presence of alates (winged termites) is an indicator that a colony could be established nearby. Seeing swarmers inside your home could mean you have an infestation. Similarly, seeing their discarded wings during swarming season is another sign; you may notice piles of discarded wings near windowsills, door frames, or other entry points.

Wood damage is another sure sign of a termite infestation, as they tunnel through the grain of the wood, leaving smooth, hollow galleries inside. You may also notice blistering or bubbling paint, indicating termite activity beneath the surface. In severe infestations, you may hear a faint tapping or rustling sound coming from infested wood, as termites feed and tunnel inside.

Habitat, diet, life cycle & behaviors

Where do drywood termites live?

Drywood termites thrive in dry, undecayed wood, making them a threat to both homes and furniture. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require soil contact, allowing them to infest a wide range of locations inside your home, like wooden beams, floors, walls, and wooden furniture. They often enter homes through the roof and settle into attics, roof eaves, and other dry wood structures. 

Diet

Drywood termites feed on cellulose, a material found in wood. Unlike subterranean termites that require a moisture source, drywood termites extract the necessary moisture from the wood itself, which inside homes can include structural timber, furniture, framing, and wooden furniture, which is particularly susceptible to drywood termite infestations.

Life cycle

Drywood termites follow a similar life cycle to other termite species: The queen lays eggs that hatch into nymphs, which then develop into workers, soldiers, or reproductives (alates), depending on the colony's needs.

During swarming season, reproductive alates leave the colony to mate and start new colonies. Drywood termite colonies grow slowly, but they can persist for years if left undisturbed, causing long-term damage to homes and structures.

Behaviors

Drywood termites typically swarm in the spring and summer, though swarming can also occur in late fall. Swarming is a clear sign that a nearby colony is looking to expand. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not create mud tubes but live entirely within the wood they infest.

Are drywood termites dangerous?

While drywood termites do not pose direct harm to humans (they do not bite or spread diseases), they can cause serious structural damage to homes and wooden furniture. If left untreated, a drywood termite infestation can lead to costly repairs.

These termites can weaken support beams, damage walls, and hollow out wooden furniture, sometimes causing structural issues if not addressed in time. Additionally, they can damage valuable wooden items such as antique furniture.

How to get rid of drywood termites

Getting rid of drywood termites requires professional termite pest control due to the difficulty of detecting all infested areas. Here are the common methods used:

• Home fumigation: This is often the most effective way to eliminate large, widespread infestations, albeit a disruptive method requiring residents to leave the home during the fumigation process. A tent is placed over the entire structure, and fumigant gas is used to penetrate the wood and kill termites. 

• Spot treatment: For smaller or localized infestations, spot treatments can be effective. These involve injecting termiticides directly into the infested wood. However, spot treatment is only viable for limited areas of infestation.
• Wood replacement: Severely damaged wood may need to be replaced entirely, especially if the integrity of the structure is compromised.

Ehrlich offers a free termite inspection as a crucial first step to assess the extent of the infestation so we can recommend the best termite treatment options. For more information on termite control, see our how to get rid of termites guide.

Drywood termite prevention tips

Preventing drywood termite infestations starts with proactive measures around your home. Here’s a checklist of some of the key signs of termites:

• Seal entry points: Ensure that cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and other entry points are properly sealed to prevent termites from entering.

• Inspect wooden furniture: Regularly check wooden furniture and other wooden structures for signs of termites, especially if you live in a termite-prone area.
• Remove infested wood: If you identify infested wood, remove it immediately to prevent termites from spreading.
• Use treated wood: Whenever possible, use termite-resistant wood or wood that has been treated with a preservative.

Need help with termite pest control?

If you suspect a drywood termite infestation, it’s important to act quickly. Ehlich can provide a free termite inspection to determine the extent of the infestation and recommend appropriate termite treatment options. Don’t wait until the infestation worsens—contact us today to protect your home.

Drywood termite FAQs