Western Drywood Termites

What do drywood termites look like?

Western drywood termite colonies consist of three main castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives (alates).

• Workers: These are the ones doing all the heavy lifting in the colony. They’re soft-bodied, pale to light brown, and only about ⅜ of an inch long. Up close, you’d see six legs and two antennae, but to the naked eye, they just look like tiny, milky blobs crawling around.
• Soldiers: Bigger and tougher than workers, soldiers measure around ⅝ to 1 inch long. They have the same pale body, but their orange heads and black pincers make them stand out. Their job? Protecting the colony from intruders.
• Alates (Winged Termites): These are the ones you’re most likely to notice. Alates have dark orangish-brown heads and thoraxes, dark brown abdomens, and long, gray wings that extend past their bodies. When they swarm, they’re on the move, looking to start a new colony—which is usually bad news if they end up in your home!

What’s the difference between drywood and subterranean termites?

Drywood termites attack structures by air and live inside the wood they consume, while subterranean termites typically establish nests in the ground and move between soil and structures. However, some exceptions exist—Formosan subterranean termites, for example, can create aerial nests without needing soil contact. They use a carton material made from wood pulp, saliva, feces, and soil to line their nests and retain moisture. Drywood termites don’t require this adaptation, as their moisture needs are lower, eliminating the need for soil contact.

Wood preference also sets these species apart. Drywood termites favor hardwood, including window frames, door frames, roof beams, banisters, and furniture. In contrast, subterranean termites primarily consume softwood, such as structural support beams.

Another key difference is the use of shelter tubes. Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel between soil and wood, protecting themselves from dehydration and predators. The presence of these tubes can signal an infestation. Drywood termites do not construct shelter tubes.
‍

How can I tell if my home has a drywood termite infestation?

Several subtle signs may indicate an infestation:

• Changes in wood, including holes or deterioration. A closer inspection might reveal termites or tunnels beneath the surface.
• Presence of winged termites, particularly on interior window panes and sills.
• Shed wings left behind after alates mate and disappear into cracks—sometimes the only visible warning sign.
• Frass (termite droppings), which drywood termites push out of tunnels. This hard, pellet-like waste can accumulate near infested areas.
• If you suspect an active termite infestation, professional inspections can confirm the issue and provide a treatment plan.
  ‍

How do drywood termites enter a home?

Swarming alates enter through gaps and cracks, especially around window and door frames. Other common entry points include structural cavities, joists, damaged screens, unprotected vents, and gaps around fixtures.
‍

Where do drywood termites typically nest?

Warm, dry, and undisturbed areas offer ideal nesting sites. These termites commonly infest wood frames, floor joists, subfloors, studs, headers, beams, and rafters. Wooden furniture and other hardwood objects are also susceptible.

Outdoors, they may establish colonies in decks, porches, wood siding, and even hardwood yard furniture.
‍

What damage do drywood termites cause?

Drywood termites contribute to an estimated $500 million in damage annually across the U.S. Repair costs typically range from $3,000 to $8,000. Routine inspections can help reduce repair costs by as much as 78%.
‍

Can drywood termites infest furniture or other non-structural wood?

Yes. These termites aren’t limited to structural wood and can infest hardwood furniture, including dressers, tables, chairs, bed frames, and cabinets. They also target non-furniture items such as picture frames, musical instruments like guitars and pianos, and even boats—feeding on decks, bulkheads, hulls, and trims.

‍

How long does it take for drywood termites to cause significant damage?

Noticeable damage typically develops over several years, with severe structural harm taking more than eight years. The extent of destruction depends on how long the termites go undetected, the size of the infestation, and the availability of suitable food sources.
‍

What’s the best way to eliminate drywood termites?

Fumigation is the most effective solution. This process uses gases that penetrate every crack, crevice, and termite tunnel, eliminating all termites within the structure. Fumigation offers a quick and comprehensive reset, restoring your property to a termite-free state. Contact Big Time Pest Control to find out how we can help you exterminate drywood termites. Serving Sacramento, Anderson, Redding, and Northern California, we are the local fumigation experts! 
‍

How can I prevent a drywood termite infestation?

Make your home less inviting to drywood termites and other pests by sealing potential entry points, using treated wood, reducing indoor humidity, and being cautious about secondhand furniture.