Drywood Termites
(Family Kalotermitidae)
Appearance
Drywood termites are usually pale brown in color. They have soft bodies with a cylindrical shape. During the winged stage there are four equal size wings that extend longer than the body.
Size
Range from 3/8 to ½-inch in length.
Behavior
Drywood termites are social insects that live in colonies. The colonies are composed of kings, queens and soldiers. There is no worker caste as in subterranean termite colonies.
Habitat
Drywood termites create colonies in wood, with no connection to the ground necessary. They need very little moisture and are often found in the attic wood framing. Drywood termites obtain moisture from the water produced by the digestion of cellulose. Colonies can contain up to 2,500 termites.
Economic Significance
Drywood termites cause serious damage to structures, often long before they are discovered. Possible signs of infestation include the leaving of sawdust-like pellets and wings left over from swarmers.
Control
Do you live in South Florida and think that this termite may be invading your home? Hulett Environmental Services offers specialty termite control treatments designed to control and eliminate this pest!
