When people think of termites, they often imagine muddy tunnels and underground infestations. However, drywood termites present a completely different threat—one that hides silently within the wooden structures of your home. Unlike subterranean termites that require contact with soil, drywood termites live entirely within dry wood and can cause severe damage long before you notice any signs.
What Are Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites are a species of termite that thrives in dry, undecayed wood, making homes, furniture, and framing especially vulnerable. They do not need soil or moisture to survive, allowing them to live in attics, beams, and hardwood floors for years undetected.
These termites form small colonies and infest wood from the inside out. While their colonies are typically smaller than those of subterranean termites, the damage they cause can still be extensive due to their secretive nesting habits.
How Do Drywood Termites Enter Your Home?
Drywood termites commonly enter homes during their swarming season, when winged reproductives, also called alates, leave their colonies to start new ones. They often enter through small cracks, vents, or even gaps in eaves and window frames.
Once inside, they burrow into wooden structures, seal the entrance behind them, and begin to form a new colony. This makes early detection extremely difficult without professional inspection.
Signs of a Drywood Termite Infestation
Detecting drywood termites can be challenging, but there are a few telltale signs to watch for:
- Frass (droppings): Drywood termites push their fecal pellets out of tiny holes in the wood. These droppings look like fine, sand-colored grains or sawdust.
- Discarded wings: After a swarm, you might find small, translucent wings around windowsills or light fixtures.
- Hollow-sounding wood: When tapped, infested wood may sound empty or weak due to internal tunneling.
- Tiny holes in wood surfaces: These are exit holes through which termites expel frass or emerge during swarming.
- Sudden damage to furniture or trim: Wood that appears normal on the outside may crumble unexpectedly.
Treatment Options for Drywood Termites
Since drywood termites live inside the wood, treatment must reach deep within their nesting sites. Professional pest control services offer several effective solutions:
1. Localized Treatment
Involves injecting termiticides or foam directly into infested wood. This is ideal for small, contained infestations.
2. Fumigation
For widespread infestations, fumigation is often necessary. The entire structure is tented, and a gas is introduced to penetrate all infested areas. It’s highly effective but requires residents to vacate temporarily.
3. Heat Treatment
This method uses high heat to kill termites inside walls and furniture. It’s chemical-free and eco-friendly but best suited for limited infestations.
Prevention Tips
- Seal cracks and crevices around your home’s exterior
- Inspect wood furniture before bringing it indoors
- Keep attics and crawlspaces well-ventilated and dry
- Schedule annual termite inspections by licensed professionals
Final Thoughts
Drywood termites are silent, invasive, and destructive. Because they operate inside your walls and furniture, they often go unnoticed until the damage is done. Protect your property with regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and professional treatment when needed. With the right approach, you can stay one step ahead of drywood termites and preserve the integrity of your home.