Drywood Termites
Drywood termites infest dry, sound wood and do not require contact with soil or an external moisture source. They live entirely within the wood they consume, forming small colonies of a few thousand individuals. They are most common in coastal and southern states, particularly California, Florida, and Hawaii. Signs of infestation include the distinctive hexagonal fecal pellets they kick out of small holes in infested wood. Because they can infest furniture, picture frames, and wood items, they are frequently transported in moving goods, making them a concern for homes receiving shipped furniture and building materials.
Species in This Group (2)
Western Drywood Termite
Incisitermes minor
The Western Drywood Termite infests dry, structural wood without needing soil contact or external moisture.
Southeastern Drywood Termite
Incisitermes snyderi
The Southeastern Drywood Termite is the primary drywood termite species in the southeastern United States.
Key Behaviors
Drywood termites establish colonies when winged swarmers enter small cracks in exposed wood, seal the entrance, and begin excavating a chamber. They feed across the grain, consuming both spring and summer wood. Colonies grow slowly, often taking years to produce visible damage or swarmers. Fecal pellets accumulate in small piles beneath kick-out holes and are a primary diagnostic sign.
Risks & Concerns
Drywood termites damage structural wood, furniture, and wood trim. Because colonies are entirely contained within the wood, multiple colonies can infest a single structure simultaneously with no external signs until significant damage has occurred. Fumigation is often the only way to treat whole-structure infestations. They can also damage stored items, antiques, and irreplaceable wood fixtures.
Quick Comparison
| Species | Size | Color | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Drywood Termite | 7-10 mm (swarmers) | Swarmers are dark brown with smoky wings; workers are cream-white | Infests dry, sound wood without any soil contact; produces distinctive hexagonal fecal pellets. |
| Southeastern Drywood Termite | 6-8 mm (swarmers) | Swarmers are pale yellowish-brown; workers are cream | Smaller than the Western species; infests structural wood in the southeastern coastal states without soil contact. |
Need Help With Drywood termites?
If you're seeing signs of drywood termites in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.