Drywood termites are wood-destroying pests that infest dry, sound wood without soil contact. These resilient insects cause significant damage through internal wood consumption.
Drywood termites pose a significant threat to Southern California homes, particularly along coastal areas and inland southern regions. Unlike their subterranean cousins, these termites don't require soil contact and can infest dry, sound wood directly, making them particularly problematic for structural timber, furniture, and hardwood floors.
These resourceful pests create colonies directly within the wood they infest, excavating elaborate tunnel systems while maintaining a nearly invisible external presence. With colonies typically ranging from 2,500-3,000 members, they expand more slowly than subterranean termites but can remain undetected for longer periods, often discovered only after significant damage has occurred. Their ability to thrive in dry wood with low moisture content makes them especially adapted to Southern California's climate.
Anatomy of Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are larger than subterranean species and have distinct physical features that aid in their wood-boring lifestyle.
- Mandibles
- Antennae
- Head
- Thorax
- Legs
- Abdomen
How to Identify Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are larger than subterranean species, with a distinctive wing pattern featuring three dark veins. Key identifiers include six-sided fecal pellets, kickout holes in wood, and swarmers around windows. Adults range from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length with soldiers having broad, rectangular heads.
Habitat of Drywood Termites
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites live entirely within the wood they infest, requiring no soil contact. They prefer dry, sound wood with around 12% moisture content and are commonly found in attic framing, eaves, door frames, and furniture.
Warning Signs of Drywood Termites
Primary indicators include small kickout holes with distinctive six-sided pellets, discarded wings near windows, and surface blisters in wood. You might also notice hollow sounds when tapping wood surfaces and tight-fitting doors or windows.
Warning Signs of Drywood Termites
Primary indicators include small kickout holes with distinctive six-sided pellets, discarded wings near windows, and surface blisters in wood. You might also notice hollow sounds when tapping wood surfaces and tight-fitting doors or windows.
Control Methods for Drywood Termites
Treatment options include localized chemical injections, fumigation, heat treatment, and targeted orange oil applications. Prevention focuses on wood sealing, regular inspections, and maintaining proper ventilation to prevent favorable conditions for infestation.
Subterranean Termites
Dampwood Termites
Drywood termites typically enter through exposed wood or small gaps around windows and doors. They can also infest wooden furniture.
Look for small kickout holes with pellets, hollow-sounding wood, and swarmers or shed wings near windows and light fixtures.
They spread through swarmers that fly to new locations and establish colonies directly in wood. They can also spread through infested furniture.
Yes, drywood termites can survive in wood with much lower moisture content than other termite species, typically around 12%.
Visible damage may take 3-5 years to appear, as colonies develop slowly compared to subterranean termites.
Drywood termites create clean galleries across wood grain, while subterranean termites follow grain and leave mud tubes.
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