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).
Signs of Infestation of Drywood Termites
Look out for swarms as sign of a mature colony and frass (fecal pellets).
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.
Drywood Termites Gallery
Latest Pest & Termite Control News
What Silverfish Are, Where They Come From, & How to Get Rid of Them
Jan 06, 2022—Bug Database, West Palm Beach, Pest Control, Tips & Control Advice
If you have seen small silver insects that exhibit almost fish-like movement around your home, you may be wondering how to get rid of silverfish. Most of us remember the first time we saw these distinctive creepy crawlies scurrying around. When these prehistoric-looking insects show up in your...
Read More ›
Rodent Exclusion: How to Find Rat & Mice Entry Points
Dec 23, 2021—Rodents, Tips & Control Advice, Rodents
If you see rats or mice in your home, you will want to use a professional pest control company to trap the interior, bait the exterior, and complete a rodent exclusion on your home to prevent rodent entry as soon as possible. The telltale signs of a rodent infestation can send shivers down your...
Read More ›
How to Get Rid of Ghost Ants (Little White Ants in Florida)
Dec 08, 2021—Bug Database, Ants, Pest Control
Want to know how to get rid of ghost ants in South Florida? If you have little white ants or clear ants crawling around your kitchen, you probably have ghost ants. These adaptable white ants in Florida are a common household invader that homeowners struggle to eliminate on their own. With the right...
Read More ›
