Identification
Drywood termites are light brown to dark tan, with workers measuring about 1/4 inch in length. Soldiers have larger mandibles, while reproductive swarmers are about 1/2 inch long with clear or smoky wings. They have six legs, straight antennae, and elongated oval bodies. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require contact with soil.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Drywood termites undergo incomplete metamorphosis with three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Queens lay small clusters of eggs, which hatch into nymphs. Nymphs develop into workers, soldiers, or reproductive swarmers. Colonies mature slowly but can persist for years, with swarmers emerging seasonally to establish new colonies.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
Drywood termites consume cellulose, primarily attacking dry, seasoned wood. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not build mud tubes and instead burrow directly into wood. They create smooth, clean tunnels and excrete small, hard fecal pellets. They are less moisture-dependent, making them common in attics and furniture.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
Drywood termites infest wooden structures and furniture, commonly found in:
- Attics and roof eaves
- Wooden furniture and antiques
- Door and window frames
- Structural beams and flooring
- Fences, decks, and wooden siding
Threats & Danger
Drywood termites cause extensive damage by hollowing out wooden structures. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not rely on soil contact, making detection more difficult. Left untreated, infestations can weaken buildings, leading to costly repairs and structural failure.
Prevention
- Seal cracks and crevices in wood structures
- Use treated or naturally resistant wood in construction
- Reduce wood-to-wood contact between structures
- Keep attics and crawl spaces well-ventilated
- Regularly inspect wooden furniture and structures for damage
Signs of Infestation
- Small, hexagonal fecal pellets near infested wood
- Hollowed or blistering wooden surfaces
- Discarded wings from swarmers near windows or lights
- Clicking sounds from inside wooden structures
- Visible tunnels or galleries in damaged wood
How to Get Rid of It
- Remove and replace infested wood when possible
- Apply localized treatments with borate-based products
- Use fumigation for widespread infestations
- Introduce heat treatments to kill termites in furniture and structures
- Consult professional pest control for severe cases