Identification
Western Drywood Termites are small to medium-sized termites typically measuring 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6-10 mm) in length. Their winged reproductive adults (alates) are brown to light tan, with two pairs of long, translucent wings. Soldiers have larger heads with powerful jaws, and workers are pale, soft-bodied, and roughly the same size as the soldiers. These termites are most commonly found in arid and coastal areas of the western United States, particularly in California and Arizona.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Western Drywood Termites undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Reproductive alates emerge from colonies to mate, often after warm rainfalls. Once mated, they shed their wings and establish new colonies by burrowing into dry wood. The queen lays eggs, which hatch into nymphs that develop into workers, soldiers, or future reproductives. Colonies grow slowly and can take several years to become noticeable.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
- Diet: Western Drywood Termites feed on dry wood with low moisture content, consuming cellulose and leaving behind galleries within the wood.
- Behavior: They live entirely within the wood they infest, without needing soil contact or outside moisture sources.
- Activity: They are silent feeders, making them difficult to detect until damage becomes apparent. Colonies are often localized and do not spread as rapidly as subterranean termites.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
- Attics and roof structures: Wooden rafters, beams, and trusses.
- Wall framing and trim: Interior woodwork, especially areas exposed to dry air.
- Furniture and antiques: Chairs, tables, cabinets, and other items made of untreated wood.
- Wooden fences and decks: Above-ground structures vulnerable to dry conditions.
Threats & Danger
- Structural damage: Prolonged feeding weakens wood, compromising structural integrity.
- Furniture destruction: Infested wooden furniture can become hollow and unusable.
- Expensive repairs: Replacing or treating damaged wood can be costly and time-consuming.
- Difficulty in detection: Colonies remain hidden, often discovered only after significant damage has occurred.
Prevention
- Seal wood surfaces: Use varnish, paint, or sealants on exposed wood to deter infestation.
- Proper storage: Keep lumber, firewood, and furniture in dry, well-ventilated areas.
- Inspect regularly: Check for signs of frass, exit holes, or hollow-sounding wood.
- Maintain ventilation: Good airflow in attics, crawl spaces, and storage areas helps reduce conditions favorable to termites.
- Limit wood-to-wood contact: Avoid stacking untreated wood directly against buildings.
Signs of Infestation
- Frass: Drywood termites produce pellet-shaped droppings (frass) that collect near infested areas.
- Exit holes: Small, round holes on wood surfaces where alates have emerged.
- Damaged wood: Hollow-sounding wood or areas that break apart easily.
- Presence of alates: Winged termites near windows, light sources, or discarded wings.
How to Get Rid of It
- Replace damaged wood: Remove and replace heavily infested wood materials.
- Heat treatments: Raise the temperature of infested wood to kill termites.
- Fumigation: Whole-structure fumigation may be necessary for extensive infestations.
- Localized spot treatments: Apply termiticides or borate-based solutions directly to infested areas.
- Professional pest control services: Consult a licensed termite specialist for comprehensive treatment.