Buy Online
GET STARTED

Drywood Termites

Appearance and Size Facts

  • Drywood termite alates (winged reproductives) are usually pale brown to reddish-brown in color
  • Hardened bodies with a cylindrical shape
  • Four equal sized wings that extend longer than the body
  • Drywood termite nymphs and soldiers have cream colored, soft bodies, but are normally hidden from sight, inside of a piece of wood or other cellulostic material
  • Size: Range from 3/8 to 1/2 inch in length

Behavior and Habitat of Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are social insects that live in colonies. The colony caste system is composed of a king, a queen, soldiers, nymphs, and pseudergates (false workers). There is no true worker caste, as is found in subterranean termite colonies. 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 trusses, fascia boards, and soffit areas. Drywood termites obtain moisture from the water produced by the digestion of cellulose, resulting in a very hard, sand-like fecal pellet. Colonies can contain up to 5,000 termites in a mature colony (>5 years old).

Image of a magnifying glass

Signs of Infestation of Drywood Termites

Look out for swarms as sign of a mature colony and frass (fecal pellets).

An illustration representing a warning sign for bug infestation

Tips for Prevention of Drywood Termites

Make sure firewood and scrap wood is stored at least 20 feet from the home and seal all cracks and crevices in a structure. Elimination of termites from structures is best left up to professional pest management companies, such as Hulett Environmental Services.

A cropped image of a pencil

Drywood Termites Gallery

Photograph of drywood termites
Photograph of drywood termites number 2
Photograph of drywood termites number 3
Photograph of drywood termites number 4

Latest Pest & Termite Control News

Subterranean Termite Control in West Palm Beach: Sentricon Colony Elimination

Subterranean Termite Control in West Palm Beach: Sentricon Colony Elimination

Here in Palm Beach County and our northern neighbors in the Treasure Coast, including subterranean termite prevention and control as a part of your general home maintenance plan is essential. This is especially true in West Palm Beach, which was named in the “Top 10 Worst Termite...

Read More ›
New Year Pest Control Resolutions for Your South Florida Home

New Year Pest Control Resolutions for Your South Florida Home

A new year means new pests are trying to call your South Florida house their home. This year, along with new year’s resolutions to improve your health, finances, attitude, and whatever other things you want to change in your life, make this year the year you keep your South Florida home...

Read More ›
Expert Advice on Protecting Your Home and Lawn from Pests this Winter

Expert Advice on Protecting Your Home and Lawn from Pests this Winter

Living in South Florida means rodents, ants, and other pests don't take the winters off! Meanwhile, your lawn needs less watering and mowing during the winter months and is susceptible to various diseases such as brown patch fungus. Your lawn in winter While we’re outdoors, let’s talk...

Read More ›