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Pest Control for your business
Presto-X provides termite control for businesses.
Drywood termites are a termite species known for living deep within wood without needing contact with soil. Unlike subterranean termites, they don’t rely on moisture from the ground. Instead, they draw it from the drywood they infest. Understanding drywood termite facts and how to spot an infestation early can help protect your home from costly damage.
Drywood termite identification
Spotting a drywood termite infestation early can make all the difference. From their appearance to the signs they leave behind, knowing what to look for helps you take the next step toward managing the problem.
What do drywood termites look like?
Drywood termites vary depending on their role within the colony. Alates, or swarmers, are the reproductive adults. They have dark brown bodies slightly under half an inch long, including wings, which they shed after swarming. Soldiers have large, dark heads and pale bodies measuring around a fifth of an inch. Larvae are tiny, white, and less than one mm long.
Signs of a drywood termite infestation
A common sign of a drywood termite infestation is the presence of fecal pellets, or frass, which are hard, dry droppings often found beneath infested wood. You may also see termite swarmers near windows or doors, especially during warmer months. Hollow-sounding wood or blistered paint can be another clue. Because they live inside wood, infestations can go unnoticed for some time.
Habitat, diet, life cycle, and behaviors
Let’s take a look at some of the behaviors, habitat, and life cycle of drywood termites. If you’re struggling with termite identification, get in touch with the technicians at Presto-X.
Where do drywood termites live?
These insects nest entirely inside dry wood, such as structural timbers, hardwood floors, and furniture. Unlike other termite types, they don’t need contact with soil or high humidity. They thrive in attics, crawl spaces, and even wooden picture frames or baseboards. Moisture levels inside the wood need to be low for them to survive.
Diet
Drywood termites feed on cellulose found in wood and plant fibers. They break down the wood as they tunnel through it, weakening the structure from within. Their slow feeding habits can still cause damage over time, especially if left untreated.
Life cycle
The life cycle begins when alates leave the nest in a termite swarm. They usually swarm on warm, dry days, often in late summer or early fall. Once a male and female pair up, they shed their wings and seal themselves inside a small cavity in wood, where they start a new colony. Eggs hatch into larvae, which develop into workers, soldiers, or future swarmers. Kalotermitidae, the family they belong to, grows their colonies slowly, often only a few members after the first year.
Behaviors
Drywood termites expand their infestation by chewing tunnels in multiple directions. Over time, wood may appear solid from the outside, but in reality, it’s hollow inside. They often avoid detection until damage becomes visible.
Are drywood termites dangerous?
Drywood termites don’t bite humans, but they can still pose a serious risk to your property. The damage to structures may not always be visible right away, which makes regular inspection important. Left unchecked, they can cause damage that requires costly repairs.
How to get rid of drywood termites
Depending on how far the infestation has spread, there are several ways to handle dry-wood termite activity. In some cases, spot treatments may help with very small, contained colonies. Our technicians will use preventive liquid treatments, spot liquid treatments, and/or fumigation to help manage your infestation and protect your property.
Drywood termite prevention tips
Prevention starts with regular checks. Schedule a professional inspection each year, especially if you live in a high-risk area (you can book a free inspection with Presto-X). Seal any cracks or gaps in wood structures to reduce entry points. Store firewood away from your home, and keep wooden areas dry and well-ventilated.
Drywood termites are attracted to light. So, keeping outdoor lights off at night can help prevent termites.
Need help with termite pest control?
If you think you’ve found signs of drywood termites, we’re here to help. Our technicians are trained to identify and treat these pests effectively. Whether you’ve spotted termite swarmers, found frass, or just want peace of mind, we can assess your situation and recommend a solution. For long-term protection and a tailored protection plan, Presto-X can help with both residential and commercial termite control.
Frequently asked questions
When do drywood termites swarm?
Drywood termites typically swarm on warm, dry days, often in late summer or early fall.
Do drywood termites bite?
No, drywood termites don’t bite people or pets.
Are drywood termites attracted to light?
Yes, swarmers are drawn to lights at night, especially during swarming season.
Can drywood termites be spot-treated?
Spot treatments may work for very small colonies. Your Presto-X technician will advise you on the best course of treatment and preventive measures.
Can drywood termites fly?
Only the reproductive swarmers can fly, and only for a short time to find a new nesting site.