Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are one of Florida’s most common indoor termite species. Unlike subterranean termites, they don’t need soil contact or moisture – instead, they live entirely within the wood they consume.
They quietly hollow out furniture, baseboards, and attics, leaving only a thin shell behind. Because infestations often go undetected for months or years, early inspection and treatment are essential to prevent costly repairs.
What Drywood Termites Look Like
Drywood termites are small, ranging from ⅜ to ½ inch long, and vary from light brown to tan depending on age and colony stage. Their wings are clear with veins running along the edge, and swarmers are often attracted to indoor lights during warm evenings.
Key identifying features include:
- Two equal-length pairs of wings (longer than their bodies).
- Cream-colored workers and pale brown soldiers.
- Distinct pellet-like droppings (frass) near infested wood.
- Small round exit holes used for ejecting frass.
Behavior and Nesting Habits
Drywood termites live entirely inside wood, creating smooth, maze-like galleries.
They do not build mud tubes or rely on external moisture sources.
Colonies are typically smaller (1,000–5,000 members) but spread slowly through infested furniture or framing.
Common nesting sites include:
- Roof trusses and attic beams
- Wooden furniture or picture frames
- Baseboards and window sills
- Wooden doors, floors, and decorative trim
- Cracks in hardwood flooring
Signs of a Drywood Termite Infestation
- Small piles of sand-like droppings (frass) near infested areas
- Hollow or blistered wood surfaces
- Tiny kick-out holes used to push out waste
- Swarmers (winged termites) emerging at night
- Clicking or rustling sounds inside walls
⚠️ If you find both frass and small exit holes, it’s a sure sign of an active colony. Contact us Today >>
Drywood Termite FAQs
What do drywood termite droppings look like?
They resemble tiny, six-sided, sand-like pellets — usually tan or brown — found beneath infested wood.
Can drywood termites spread between homes?
Yes. Swarmers can fly short distances and start new colonies in nearby houses or furniture.
How serious is a drywood termite infestation?
They cause gradual but severe damage over time, especially in attics and furniture.
Do I need fumigation for drywood termites?
Localized infestations can often be treated with spot or foam applications. Large colonies may require fumigation.
How can I prevent drywood termites?
Keep wood sealed, fix leaks, ventilate attics, and schedule regular termite inspections.
Get Your Free Termite Control Quote
Drywood termites can silently hollow out your furniture and wood framing. Our experts identify infested areas and use advanced spot and fumigation treatments to eliminate colonies for good.
Seeing droppings or swarmers around your home?
Request your free quote today and protect your property before damage spreads.
Damage Caused by Drywood Termites
Drywood termites feed across the grain of wood, leaving smooth-walled galleries and weakened structures. Over time, this can compromise window frames, ceilings, or entire roof trusses.
Common Damage Examples:
- Hollow furniture or decorative wood trim
- Bubbling or cracked paint revealing tunnels beneath
- Weakened baseboards or window sills
- Sagging or warped hardwood floors
💡 The earlier the infestation is found, the more likely it can be treated without full fumigation.
How to Get Rid of Drywood Termites
DIY Steps
- Inspect attic and crawl spaces for droppings.
- Vacuum visible frass and seal entry cracks.
- Place infested furniture outdoors in sunlight (temporary relief).
- Avoid DIY sprays — they rarely reach deep colonies.
Professional Treatment
Our licensed termite technicians use proven methods to eliminate drywood termites safely and completely, including:
- Spot injections for localized infestations
- Foam or dust treatments for interior voids
- Full-structure fumigation for widespread colonies
- Follow-up monitoring to ensure no re-infestation
Contact us for Professional Drywood Termite Treatment >>
PreventionTips
- Seal all cracks in window frames and roofing.
- Paint or varnish exposed wood surfaces.
- Avoid storing untreated wood or cardboard in attics.
- Schedule annual termite inspections.
- Keep attic humidity low with proper ventilation.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve discovered droppings, hollow-sounding wood, or swarmers inside your home, you likely have drywood termites.
DIY products won’t reach their sealed galleries inside walls or furniture.
Our team identifies hidden colonies, provides the right treatment plan, and helps prevent future infestations.
