top of page
Writer's pictureJonathan Stoddard

What Are Drywood Termites?



As pest control experts, Imperial Pest Prevention staff has extensively studied all the physical characteristics and behavior of the drywood termite, so you can trust us to help you identify and eliminate them. To get started, send us a message or call the following number 386-956-9506


This article has provided some insights that’ll give you a better understanding of drywood termite.


Drywood Termite Swarmer Identification

Drywood termite swarmer image

• The body is about 7/16 inches long, which the wings are ½ inch long

• It has shiny multi-colored wings

• The head and body color range from orange to brown

• It has a dark brown abdomen



Drywood Termite Soldier Identification

Drywood Termite Soldier Identification

• They have a brownish or yellow body

• They have protruding black mandibles to protect them from predators

• Their body length ranges from 5/16 to 5/8 up to ½ inch


Drywood Termite Worker

Drywood Termite Worker Identification

• They have a round head and straight antenna

• Their body is white or pale

• They don’t have eyes





Drywood Termite Behavior

Drywood termites live entirely inside the wood. They don’t require moisture from the soil to survive or build their home. Drywood termites are rampant in Florida and its surrounding states, especially from May to July when their colony expands to hundreds of thousands of termites swarming around light sources and destroying wood in the process.


How to Identify Drywood Termite Infestation

Drywood Termite Frass Identification


Drywood Termite Frass Identification

Frass is tiny fecal pellets that drywood termites pass as fecal matter. Drywood termites need to conserve water, so their frass is extremely dry, hexagonal, and small. They’re about 1mm in length and take on the color of the wood on which the drywood termites live and feed on. The termites push these fecal deposits out of their habitat when cleaning their homes, and they settle on the floor below the infested wood. They resemble sawdust and could remain at a spot for a long time, even after the infestation had been treated.





Drywood Termite Swarm Identification

Drywood Termite Swarmer's

At the point of maturation of a drywood termite colony, hundreds or even thousands of winged sexually active males and females start swarming around the area to mate and create new colonies.

Destruction

Drywood termite causes severe damage to wood. While feeding through the wood grain, they gradually create tunnels and galleries deep inside the wood, leaving the interior hollowed and brittle.


Drywood Termite Treatment Types

Tent fumigation and spot treatment are the two most common ways of controlling drywood termites. Over time, people have tried to use microwaves, heat, and wood replacement as a solution, but these tactics weren’t practical and sustainable.


What Is A Tent Fumigation?


What Happens During a Tent Fumigation?


Tent fumigation and Drywood Termite Spot Treatments are the two most common ways of controlling drywood termites. Over time, people have tried to use microwaves, heat, and wood replacement as a solution, but these tactics weren’t practical and sustainable.

To exterminate drywood termites from your home, you need to hire professional pest control experts. We can help you treat your home for drywood termite infestation or any other kind of pest infestation. Please contact us now to discuss your termite treatment or WDO Inspection Needs needs.



bottom of page