Drywood Termites: The Silent Home Destroyers

The second most significant termite pest in California, following the subterranean termite, is the western drywood termite, scientifically known as Incisitermes minor. This species is the most prevalent among drywood termites and has been a native insect in the region for millions of years. 

Its natural habitat primarily involves deceased wood within trees along washes and rivers. These termites are often distributed throughout the Pacific coastal region, Central Valley, and the Southern California deserts.

People sometimes confuse drywood termites with dampwood termites, such as Zootermopsis angusticollis and Z. nevadensis, which are also widespread in central and northern coastal areas of California. 

It’s worth noting that drywood and dampwood termites establish their nests within wood rather than soil, eliminating the need for direct soil contact.

It’s worth noting that drywood and dampwood termites establish their nests within wood rather than soil, eliminating the need for direct soil contact.

Nevertheless, damp wood termites seek wood with elevated moisture content, often relying on proximity to the soil as a moisture source. 

They are predominantly found in cooler, more humid environments along the coast and within the forests of regions like the Coast Range, Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, and various mountain ranges in Southern California.

What are drywood termites?

Drywood termites are known for establishing their colonies within dry wood, including the structural framework of homes and wooden fixtures and furniture indoors. Unlike subterranean termites, these termites primarily dwell above ground and do not rely on soil contact for survival.

While the development of drywood termite colonies may not occur as swiftly as some other termite species, they can inflict significant damage once they infiltrate your home. Their population can expand into the thousands, causing substantial harm to the wooden components of any structure.

Importance of Drywood Termites in the Ecosystem

While many people view termites as troublesome pests that devour wood in residential and commercial properties, it’s essential to recognize that these wood-eating insects constitute a minority of the total termite species globally.

Termites play a critical role in natural ecosystems by aiding in decomposing dead wood from trees. Without these efficient decomposers, the world would be overwhelmed with accumulations of dead plants and animals. However, the impact of climate change is causing a shift in the distribution of these wood-consuming insects.

A recent international study, co-authored by researchers from the University of Vermont, delves into termites’ pivotal role in wood decomposition and their contribution to the Earth’s carbon cycle in the context of climate change. 

This research highlights the potential movement of termites from tropical regions towards the North and South poles as global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change.

The study, as published in the journal “Science,” involved a collaboration of over 100 researchers who conducted an extensive examination of locations worldwide where bacteria, fungi (microbes), and termites participate in the decomposition of dead wood. 

Led by Amy Zanne from the University of Miami, the research aimed to assess how temperature and rainfall patterns might influence the detection and decomposition of exposed wood. To achieve this, the researchers implemented a standardized experimental setup at over 130 sites in diverse habitats spanning six continents.

Drywood Termite Characteristics

Drywood termites have swarmers alates with varying body colors. These reproductive termites can show shades ranging from dark brown to light yellow-tan. 

Their wings are almost transparent to smokey gray and feature distinct veins, making them distinguishable. Reproductives typically measure about 7/16 inches in length, including their wings.

In drywood termite colonies, the primary reproductives are the king and queen. However, if they were to die, they could be replaced by immature secondary reproductives within the colony to ensure its survival and reproduction.

Immature workers in a drywood termite colony are wingless and typically measure between 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch in size. They display a white-to-beige coloration. Immature workers constitute most of the colony population and play crucial roles in its maintenance and functioning.

In contrast to the workers, soldiers in a drywood termite colony share a similar appearance but are distinguished by their larger size and more specific features. These soldier termites serve as the colony’s defenders, using their specialized features to ward off predators and protect the nest.

Appearance

Drywood termites exhibit various characteristics that can help in their identification:

Size

Drywood termites come in varying sizes depending on their caste. Termite soldiers typically measure about three-eighths of an inch in length. At the same time, reproductives (both male and female) are approximately one-half of an inch long.

Color

Alates, or winged termites, have wings that can be either transparent or smokey gray. Drywood termites, on the other hand, typically have a pale brown color. However, their hue can vary between dark brown and light yellowish-tan.

Wings

Winged drywood alates possess wings that are translucent or smokey gray. These wings consist of two sets: forewings and hind wings, which are of equal length. Notably, drywood termites have a distinctive pattern of veins on their forewings, making them easier to identify.

Mandibles

Drywood termites have mandibles that extend from their head segment, a characteristic that sets them apart from other insects. This feature is often noticeable upon close examination.

Habitat

Drywood termites are categorized as social insects because they rely on the survival of their colony. These colonies are established within sound and dry wood, and they can construct nests in various structural components of buildings. 

Despite their name implying a preference for dry wood, drywood termites can also inhabit areas with a water source. They may establish nests near sources of moisture, such as leaky pipes or water heaters. Additionally, homes containing dead or decaying wood can provide an ideal habitat for these termites.

The first observable indication of a drywood termite infestation often comes as pellets. Termites produce these pellets that are typically removed from their galleries through openings known as “kick-out holes.” 

The presence of these pellets can serve as a signal of a termite infestation, prompting the need for further inspection and pest control measures.

Behavior

Drywood termites are unique among termite species in their ability to survive without a heavy reliance on moisture. Unlike other termites, they do not require direct soil contact or the construction of mud tubes. 

Instead, drywood termites have adapted to extract the necessary moisture from their wood source, enabling them to establish nests and thrive in various wooden structures. 

Additionally, they can generate water as a byproduct of their digestive process, reducing their dependency on external moisture sources. 

This distinctive adaptation allows them to inhabit and infest dry wood without needing soil connections or mud tubes, setting them apart from other termite species.

Lifecycle

Drywood termites go through a fascinating life cycle and colony development process. Here’s a breakdown of their life cycle and how a colony establishes itself:

Swarming and colony initiation

Drywood termites create winged alates or swarmers, which leave the colony when it matures. Swarming activities typically occur at dusk or during the night. These swarmers are attracted to light sources, such as lampposts, and may even enter homes searching for light. 

While many swarmers set out in search of mates, only a few of them will successfully create new colonies.

Mating and nesting

Those swarmers who find mates will seek suitable nesting sites, preferably within the wood. The surviving reproductives, now the new king and queen of a starting colony, establish a small nest for the queen to begin laying her first batch of eggs. 

The king’s primary role is maintaining periodic mating to support the queen’s ongoing egg development.

Colony development

After several weeks, the first batch of immature termites will hatch, and the king and queen will care for them. These immature termites will undergo two molts, eventually developing into worker caste. These worker termites serve the royal couple by providing them with food and tending to their needs.

Egg production

During the first year, the queen’s egg production is slow as she matures. She will only deposit a few eggs during this period. However, once she reaches full maturity after the first year, her egg-laying capacity increases significantly.

Colony size and development

Drywood termite colonies are relatively small, comprising only a few thousand individuals. Their colony development is slow and gradual, making them distinct from other termite species.

Understanding the life cycle and colony dynamics of drywood termites is essential for effective pest control and management when dealing with infestations in wooden structures.

Signs of Drywood Termite Infestation

Termites are indeed remarkably cunning pests, and, ironically, they often operate covertly, keeping homeowners oblivious to their presence until significant damage is done. Among the termite species that can be particularly troublesome, drywood termites stand out.

As their name implies, drywood termites prefer to inhabit areas with dry wood. They are notorious for taking up residence in various parts of a home’s structure, including foundations, windows, and door frames, all the while evading detection by homeowners for extended periods. 

These relentless insects voraciously consume any wooden materials they encounter within the household, ranging from floorboards to pieces of furniture. Homeowners must remain vigilant and proactive in preventing and managing drywood termite infestations to protect their valuable wooden assets.

Frass – termite droppings

Drywood termites leave behind a distinctive calling card known as termite frass, their fecal matter, or termite waste. These termites expel feces from their tunnels as they burrow into and consume wood. This is also one of the most common signs of an infestation. 

Drywood termites don’t use their droppings to construct tunnels. They prefer to keep their nests and tunnels clean, pushing their waste out through tiny holes near their nest entrances.

This expulsion of termite fecal pellets results in the appearance of small black marks and a dark, powdery substance in the areas they infest. 

Accumulated termite droppings can serve as a significant indicator of a severe drywood termite infestation. Drywood termite waste is very fine and closely resembles sawdust in appearance.

Drywood termites often establish their colonies under eaves and roof shingles. They may also choose spaces between the floors and ceilings in homes with multiple stories. 

It’s advisable to inspect attic areas and joists, keeping a close eye out for any termite frass droppings that may be left behind. It can help detect and address drywood termite problems promptly.

Clicking noises

You might be familiar with how termites look, but have you ever wondered what termites sound like? If you have a drywood termite infestation or any type of termite issue, you might be surprised to learn that termites can be quite noisy.

One telltale sign of a significant termite problem is the soft clicking sounds emanating from the walls. This clicking noise can result from soldier termites tapping their heads against wood or vibrating their bodies. 

No, they’re not losing their minds; this behavior serves as an alert to the colony, signaling potential danger. If you hear it, know it’s time for termite inspection, drywood termite control, or drywood termite treatment. 

Worker termites, on the other hand, are surprisingly noisy eaters. If you listen closely in an area infested by these wood-loving insects, you can hear them munching away.

But here’s an even more unexpected fact: termites have a taste for our homegrown tunes. These termites become more active and eat faster, particularly when exposed to loud music, such as rock music. 

They dine twice as fast with music playing. This heightened activity may be due to termites’ sensitivity to vibrations and sounds, which they detect using specific organs at the base of their antennae and on their tibia. 

So the next time you decide to crank up the music at home, remember you’re not the only one enjoying the tunes. Call pest control professionals for help. 

Termite wings

One more unmistakable sign of a termite infestation is the presence of flying termites, often called swarmers or reproductives. These winged termites represent the males and females that leave their nest to seek out a mate and initiate a new colony. 

This departure could signify the potential for a more extensive infestation within your home. The timing of when you might spot these swarmers can vary, occurring during the day or at night, depending on their preferences and the time of year. 

Drywood termites, in particular, tend to swarm after periods of rainfall. Another indicator of termite presence is the discovery of discarded wings. Swarmer termites, also known as alates, shed their wings shortly after finding a mate. 

The newly paired termites then move to a suitable nesting site where they seal themselves to reproduce and establish a fresh colony. The new king and queen take care of their initial offspring until there are enough worker termites to assume caretaking duties.

Drywood termites are known for their year-round swarming activity, continually expanding their population. They emerge from existing colonies through various entry points, such as eaves, door or window frames, or beneath roof shingles. 

So when you come across termite wings or winged termites, it’s a strong indication of a substantial infestation nearby within your home, and it’s cause for significant concern. This scenario calls for the help of a pest control company. 

Damage Caused by Drywood Termites

Drywood termites have a unique habitat and behavior. They reside in dry wood above ground, and unlike subterranean termites, they don’t need direct contact with soil. Instead, they extract the moisture they need from the wood they consume. 

This distinctive characteristic means that drywood termite feeding galleries do not contain mud, unlike the galleries of subterranean termites, which often incorporate mud for structural support and moisture retention.

Structural damage

Drywood termites exhibit a distinct feeding behavior and damage pattern. They typically construct feeding galleries within the wood and consume the wood entirely, right up to the wood’s surface. 

Drywood termite-induced wood damage is characterized by the near-complete consumption of wood, resulting in only a thin, rippled layer of paint remaining. 

These feeding galleries come in various sizes, with more extensive galleries often interconnected by a complex network of smaller galleries, creating a maze-like pattern within the infested wood. 

This distinctive damage is a crucial indicator of drywood termite infestations in structures.

Furniture damage

While visible wood damage may not be immediately apparent on the surface of your furniture, subtle signs of an infestation can be found in less conspicuous areas. 

Indicators of a potential termite problem may include the presence of droppings resembling light-colored, dry coffee grounds, as well as evidence of damage such as paint buckling, sunken areas, or small holes in the inner parts of your furniture.

Take decisive action the moment you identify these undeniable signs of a termite infestation within your precious wooden furniture. Detecting the extent of the infestation can be challenging, as termites often operate covertly, spreading without notice. 

The most effective way to assess the severity of the termite infestation is by commissioning the services of a professional pest inspector. As long as these pests persist in your home, they will continue to harm not only your wooden furniture but also the structure of your home. 

In any of these cases, the pest exterminator might suggest two tailored solutions depending on the size of the infestation and termite species involved. 

The first option is wood treatment. This method effectively addresses the damage promptly while providing long-term protection for your home structure. It’s best to let a professional carry out this treatment to maximize the results. 

The second option is fumigation. This method includes using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered gas to exterminate the termites. Only trained and licensed termite control professionals are authorized to perform fumigation.

Decorative damage

Drywood termites can infest and cause damage to dry and damp wood within various parts of a house. 

Due to the potential complexity and challenges associated with identifying drywood termite damage, it is always advisable to seek the guidance and assistance of a professional pest management service provider.

These specialists have the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively detect and address drywood termite infestations, ensuring that the issue is dealt with comprehensively and efficiently.

Best Practices for Reducing the Risk of Drywood Termite Infestation

Fortunately, homeowners can take steps to prevent termite damage. Here are the top tips for protecting your home from termite infestation.

Manage moisture

Subterranean termites, the most damaging termites in North America, thrive in moist conditions. They tend to inhabit areas with high moisture levels, where they have both a water source and food supply. 

Inspectors often use moisture meters to assess a property’s risk of termite infestation. If the moisture content in building materials exceeds the norm, it becomes an attractive environment for subterranean termites.

Deal with water exposure

Water exposure from leaking faucets, pipes, and exterior AC units can attract termites. Termites tend to inhabit moisture-rich, water-damaged wood. They also thrive in cool and damp conditions, making this environment an ideal habitat.

If your home experiences flooding, it’s crucial to dry any damp wood that may have been affected promptly. Additionally, it’s essential to address and repair any leaking faucets and pipes without delay to minimize the risk of termite infestations. 

Preventing and addressing water damage can be an effective measure in keeping termites at bay.

Keep your roof in good condition

Maintaining your roof is essential when it comes to preventing termite infestations. Termites, particularly drywood ones, pose a significant threat to your roof’s structural integrity as they feed on the cellulose in the wood that supports your roof.