Drywood Termites
Family Kalotermitidae
Identification
Pest Stats
Color
Creamy white to light brown
Legs
6
Shape
Long, narrow and oval
Size
3/8 to 1 inch long
Antennae
Yes
Region
Primarily found coastally from South Carolina westward to Texas and up the west coast of California
What Do Drywood Termites Look Like?
The size of drywood termites range, depending on their age, from 1/4 inch to 1 inch long. Adult drywood termites have a thicker, oval-shaped waist, short legs and straight antennae with equal length wings. They are usually cream-white to light brown in color and have six legs.
Infestation
Signs of an Infestation
Because they live in the wood they excavate, it can be difficult to identify when drywood termite treatment is necessary. Swarms of termites or discarded wings are a common sign of an infestation, especially near light sources. Drywood termite droppings are another telltale sign. Drywood termite droppings look like small mounds of tiny pellets that are also called frass.
Education & Prevention
Habits
Drywood termites form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike subterranean termite species, drywood termite colonies do not have a worker caste, as the work is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood. You may see drywood termite swarmers on sunny, warm days after a sudden rise in temperature.
Drywood termites infest dry wood, like that found in attic framings. They can be transported to new locations via an infested piece of furniture, a picture frame, etc. Drywood termite swarmers can also extend infestations to new locations.
Threats
Drywood termites can chew through almost anything made of cellulose, including support beams, floors and walls, causing expensive home repairs. In fact, drywood termites and other termite species cause a collective $5 billion in property damage each year – a cost typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance.
How to Get Rid of Drywood Termites
Drywood termites form new colonies by gaining access to wood through small holes or crevices. To prevent needing a drywood termite treatment, you should seal all cracks and crevices in a structure. Early detection can also save you a lot of headaches, so be sure to look out for drywood termite droppings and discarded wings.
Because this pest can quickly overtake your home, it’s important to act fast if an infestation is suspected. To proactively prevent these devastating pests, schedule annual professional termite inspections for your home. If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional to determine the extent of the problem and develop an appropriate drywood termite treatment plan.
Discover more information about drywood termites and other types of wood boring insects below.
What Do Termites Look Like?
Knowing what termites look like is the first step in eradicating an infestation. Learn about various termite species and how to identify these pests.
Rainy Spring and Summer Will Do More Than Dampen Outdoor Plans
The NPMA today released its bi-annual Bug Barometer® forecast. According to the group’s team of entomologists, warm and wet spring and summer conditions predicted for much of the U.S. will contribute to spikes in pest populations nationwide.
Five Termite Species All Homeowners Should Be Aware Of
Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage in the U.S., which is not typically covered by homeowners insurance. NPMA is educating homeowners about the threats these pests pose during Termite Awareness Week.
The Top 5 Invasive Species Threatening Your Home
Invasive species are on the move across the U.S., causing property damage and presenting new health threats. Here are the top 5 invasive pests to look out for in and around your home.
100,000 Termites Ate WHAT?!
It’s time for “Will They Eat It?” – an exciting new six-part video project brought to you by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) that shows what really happens when everyday household objects are placed into a tank of 100,000 hungry termites to find out… “Will They Eat It?” The video series unveils a number of surprising twists, shocking even NPMA’s own entomologist with which items the termites could not resist.
Excessive Moisture Across Continental U.S. Will Spur Early Pest Activity
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) today released its bi-annual Bug Barometer®, a seasonal forecast of the pest pressure and activity Americans can expect to see in their respective regions of the country based on weather patterns and long-term predictions, as well as pest biological behaviors. According to the group’s team of entomologists, residual winter moisture coupled with wet forecasts ahead will cause pest populations to spike early in much of the continental U.S. this spring and summer.