Unlike subterranean termites which built colonies in soil, drywood termite colonies do not need contact with soil moisture nor any other water source. As their name suggests, drywood termites occur in dry wood that may be above ground level. Drywood termites build colonies in structural wood (see pictures below), fence and utility posts, furniture, moldings, door and window frames, and so forth.

In the US drywood termites are found in regions that do not experience freezing temperatures most winters (red areas, right). Isolated infestations may occasionally be found north of these areas however. Drywood termites also may be transported in wooden articles and start local, indoor infestations anywhere.

Since colonies are usually constructed inside wood, finding these termites can be difficult during routine pest and dry-rot inspections. One of the best ways to identify an active infestation is the presence of fecal pellets. Drywood termite fecal pellets are kicked out of the colony and may accumulate below infestations. Fecal pellets have a distinct ridged shape and are about 1/25" long (about the size of table salt). Subterranean termites do not "kick out" dry fecal pellets from their colonies and drywood termite fecal pellets are much larger than powderpost beetle boring dust particles.

Wood is damaged as termites tunnel. Drywood termite galleries cut across the grain (near right) weakening the wood's structure. Eventually the wood fails. Fecal pellets may be packed into some galleries Drywood termite damage tends to progress more slowly than damage from subterranean termites but because it is so difficult to detect, considerable damage may be present when first found.

Drywood termite control is generally not a "Do it yourself" project for most homeowners. Baiting, which is effective for other termites, is not an option because drywood termites never leave the protection of their galleries. Perimeter sprays, that are effective for carpenter ants, won't work here either. And, treating the soil under and around the structure with termiticide, which is used for subterranean termites, does not work because drywood termites may never contact the soil.

Limited control can be achieved by treating individual colonies as they are found during, for example, reconstruction or remodelling. These found colonies can be treated by drilling into the wood and injecting insecticide directly into the tunnels.

Drywood termite infestations can be prevented by the use of treated or sealed wood. Wood that has been surface-treated with borate, copper-arsenate preservative ("pressure treated") or painted will stop an initial attack. However, any cracks or cuts need to be retreated. If the infestation is widespread it may be necessary to tent and fumigate. Contact Manny's Pest Control today at (760) 402-1189 for a FREE limited termite inspection.