Drywood Termite Identification

What are drywood termites?

Drywood termites, like other species of termites, have their nutritional requirements met through the wood they feed on. They are one of the few organisms that can convert cellulose found in wood into a usable food source. Unlike other termites in our area, drywood termites have low moisture needs and prefer to feed on pieces of wood that are dry with low moisture levels.

Are drywood termites dangerous?

Drywood termites are not dangerous to people, but they are destructive and can cause damage to wooden beams, flooring, trim, and furniture inside our Florida homes. When a drywood termites infestation goes unnoticed, which is easy to do because they live and feed inside the wood, the damage they cause becomes costly. Drywood termites can live and feed inside of a home for months or even years at a time, causing more and more damage each day. 

Why do I have a drywood termite problem?

Drywood termites build nests above ground in the wood they infest. The most common way for a drywood termite infestation to begin is after a piece of infested wood is brought into your home. In addition to hitchhiking into your home, drywood termites can and will find a way into your house on their own. When drywood termites are nesting in the wood near your home, it is only a matter of time before they make their way into your home.

When a termite colony becomes too large, winged swarmers will emerge from the nest to find a mate and begin a new nest and colony. When these swarmers land on the exterior of your home and start to climb around its surface, it is easy for them to move inside through openings they discover. The most common sign that a termite swarm has occurred is when you find their discarded wings on windows, decks, and floors. Cracks in the foundation, vents, holes in the roofline, and damaged siding can all provide an entry point for drywood termites.

Where will I find drywood termites?

Outside, drywood termites like to build their nest in dry pieces of wood. Utility poles, fences, roofing materials, wood shingles, trim, and decks are common places to discover drywood termite activity.

If drywood termites are in your home, you may discover the following:

• Small holes in exposed pieces of wood like trim, floorboards, and furniture

• Piles of “frass” (termite droppings) under pieces of wood

• Floorboards or stairs that squeak or feel spongy when you walk on them

• Doors and windows that do not open or close properly

If you have found evidence of drywood termites in your home, immediately reach out to us for assistance!

How do I get rid of drywood termites?

Get rid of wood-destroying drywood termites from your Florida property by contacting the termite control experts at Empire Pest Defense. We will protect your structure from damaging drywood termites through detailed and accurate inspections, effective treatments, and ongoing services.

We are a local company with a deep commitment to our community and to providing our customers with industry-leading solutions. All our technicians are licensed, insured, and dedicated to helping West Palm Beach home and business owners sustain termite-free properties. Call us today to learn more about our termite control services and how we can guard your home against destructive drywood termites.

How can I prevent drywood termites in the future?

Reduce drywood termite numbers on your Florida property with the help of the professionals at Empire Pest Defense, our effective pest control solutions, and our practical prevention tips:

• Remove dead trees, firewood, and construction wood from your property that can provide a food source for drywood termites.

• Protect wood and wooden structures inside and outside your house from being invaded by drywood termites by sealing or painting their exterior.

• Place mesh covers over vents leading into your home.

• Repair cracks in your home’s exterior windows, walls, foundation, and roofline.

• Always inspect pieces of lumber for holes in their exterior before bringing them into your home.

For homeowners in the West Palm Beach area, the best defense against termites is partnering with the professionals at Empire Pest Defense!