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What are Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites are cream to light brown insects, 3/8 to 1 inch long, that infest dry wood without needing soil contact. They form colonies of up to 2,700 members. Infestations are identified by six-sided fecal pellets, kick-out holes, discarded wings, and wood damage. Professional pest control is required to prevent significant structural damage.
Drywood Termites – Silent Intruders Inside Your Home
Drywood termites are a particularly invasive species in Florida, capable of causing significant damage to homes without requiring contact with soil. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites live entirely within the wood they consume, making them harder to detect. These pests often infest furniture, structural beams, flooring, and even picture frames, quietly hollowing out wood from the inside.
Drywood termites don’t build mud tubes like their subterranean counterparts, as they don’t need soil moisture to survive. Instead, they thrive in dry, warm environments, which makes the interior wood of homes in Lakewood Ranch an ideal target. One of the most noticeable signs of a drywood termite infestation is the presence of frass, small wood-colored droppings that termites push out of their tunnels, often collecting near windowsills, door frames, or baseboards.
Another key indicator of drywood termites is the presence of discarded wings left behind after a swarm, which typically happens in the late summer or fall when reproductive termites (alates) leave the colony to form new nests. Because drywood termites can go undetected for long periods, they are particularly destructive, and fumigation or targeted termite treatments are often necessary to eliminate the infestation. Regular termite inspections and early detection are key to protecting your home from these silent intruders.
Types Of Drywood Termites
Types of Drywood Termites
Drywood termites can be found across various regions in the United States, each type differing in appearance, habitat, and behavior. Identifying the correct species is important in addressing termite infestations effectively.
- Desert Drywood Termite: Found in dry climates like Arizona and Southeastern California. These termites are yellow to light brown and about 1/2 inch long. They feed on trees, desert cacti, and dry, damaged wood in homes.
- Western Drywood Termite: Found across the Southwest U.S., these termites have dark brown bodies with black wings and grow to about 1/2 inch long. They thrive in dry, non-decaying wood and leave piles of brownish fecal pellets below kick-out holes.
- Southeastern Drywood Termite: Found in the Southeastern U.S., from South Carolina to Florida. These termites form small colonies and cause less damage than some other species. They can be identified by the presence of shed wings and dead winged adult termites (swarmers).
- Incisitermes Snyderi: The most common species found in Texas. Reproductive termites are light yellow, about 7/16 inch long, and have clear, transparent wings. They swarm at night and are attracted to lights.
- Cryptotermes Brevis: Similar in appearance to Incisitermes snyderi, but soldiers have square-shaped, black heads with very short mandibles.
- Incisitermes Minor: Swarmers have dark bodies and are about 9/16 inch long, with wings that can be yellow, brown, or colorless. They swarm during the daytime.
Professional identification is often required to determine the exact species of drywood termites, as they can vary greatly in appearance and behavior. Prompt action is important to prevent further damage to structures.
Drywood Termites Identification
Drywood Termites: Identification, Behavior, and Infestation Signs
Physical Characteristics
- Size: 3/8 to 1 inch long
- Color: Creamy white to light brown
- Body Shape: Long, narrow, and oval
- Wings: Two pairs of equal-length wings on reproductive swarmers
- Antennae: Straight
Distinctive Features
- Thicker, oval-shaped waist compared to other termites
- Short legs
- Soldiers have large mandibles, often wider than their head
Behavior
- Live in dry wood above ground, without requiring soil contact
- Form colonies of up to 2,500-2,700 members
- No worker caste; immature termites perform colony tasks
Signs of Infestation
- Fecal pellets (frass): Six-sided, barrel-shaped pellets resembling sawdust or coffee grounds
- Kick-out holes: Small holes (1-2 mm in diameter) used to expel fecal pellets
- Discarded wings near light sources after swarms
- Smooth, erratic galleries in wood that may not follow the grain
- Hollow sound when tapping infested wood
Swarmers
- Usually appear in late summer or fall (August to November)
- Medium brown to dark brown in color
- About 3/8 inch long with translucent wings
Habitat
- Most common in coastal and southern states
- Live in dry wood, such as structural timbers, furniture, and dead trees
Drywood termites cause significant structural damage if left untreated. Professional inspection is recommended for accurate identification and treatment.
How Get Rid Of Drywood Termites
Reliable Termite Control in Lakewood Ranch!
Ready to enjoy a termite-free home? Contact Lakewood Ranch Pest Control at (941) 318-7612 for fast, friendly, and effective termite solutions. Serving the entire Lakewood Ranch, FL area, we keep your home safe and comfortable all year long!
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