Drywood Termites: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know to Stay

ProtectedWhen it comes to household pests, few are as stealthy and destructive as drywood termites. Unlike their subterranean cousins, drywood termites don’t require contact with soil, allowing them to nest and feed entirely within the wood structures of your home. That means they can go undetected for long periods—until the damage becomes extensive and costly.

Whether you’re a homeowner, real estate investor, or property manager, understanding drywood termites is essential to protecting your property from long-term structural harm. In this article, we’ll explore how to identify these pests, prevent infestations, and treat them effectively.

What Are Drywood Termites?

Drywood termites are a species of termite that live and feed within dry, undecayed wood. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not need moisture from the soil, and they do not build mud tubes. This makes them particularly dangerous because they can infest furniture, walls, floors, ceilings, and wooden framing without obvious warning signs.

They are most commonly found in warm, coastal, and southern regions of the U.S., including Florida, California, Texas, and parts of the Southeast. However, thanks to interstate movement of wooden furniture and materials, infestations can occur almost anywhere.

Signs of Drywood Termite Infestation

Because Drywood Termites Laredo, TX operate discreetly, spotting them early is key. Here are some common indicators that you might have an infestation:

• Frass (Termite Droppings): One of the most obvious signs, frass resembles tiny, six-sided pellets that look like fine sawdust or coffee grounds. You’ll often find piles near infested wood or on windowsills.

• Discarded Wings: During swarm season (typically late summer or early fall), reproductive termites leave the nest to start new colonies. If you find small, clear wings near windows or doors, that’s a red flag.

• Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tap on suspected areas. If the wood sounds hollow or papery, it might be infested.

• Tight-Fitting Doors and Windows: As termites eat through wood, they can cause it to warp, making it harder to open or close doors and windows.

• Tunnels and Galleries: If you open a piece of wood and find smooth, maze-like tunnels, you’re likely looking at termite damage.

How Drywood Termites Enter Your Home

Drywood termites typically invade homes through:

• Exposed wood surfaces, such as fascia boards, window frames, or eaves.

• Attic vents, where they gain access to wooden beams or insulation.

• Wooden furniture, which can bring the infestation directly inside.

• Cracks in foundations or siding, especially in coastal or humid areas.

Because they don’t require soil, drywood termites can live entirely above ground—making prevention and detection more challenging.

Preventing Drywood Termite Infestations

Here are several effective strategies to reduce the risk of infestation:

✅ Seal All Entry Points

Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps in windows, doors, and vents. Pay close attention to attic and crawlspace access points.

✅ Inspect Wooden Furniture

Before bringing any used wooden furniture into your home, check it thoroughly for signs of termites, especially frass or tiny holes.

✅ Keep Wood Dry

Ensure your home is properly ventilated and dry, especially in the attic, garage, and basement. Drywood termites prefer dry wood, but excessive humidity can still attract them.

✅ Schedule Annual Inspections

A licensed pest control professional can spot early signs that homeowners often miss. Annual inspections are especially important in high-risk areas.

Treatment Options for Drywood Termites

Once you have an active infestation, it’s crucial to act fast. Here are the most common drywood termite treatment methods:

🔹 Spot Treatments

For small, localized infestations, pest professionals may inject insecticides directly into termite galleries using specialized equipment. This is a minimally invasive method, but only works if the infestation is limited and easily accessible.

🔹 Fumigation (Tenting)

For widespread infestations, whole-structure fumigation may be necessary. This involves covering your home with a tent and filling it with gas that penetrates walls and kills all termites inside. Though more expensive and inconvenient (requiring temporary evacuation), it is often the most effective solution.

🔹 Heat Treatment

Heat can be used to kill drywood termites in specific areas. This method involves raising the temperature of infested wood to levels lethal to termites, without using chemicals.

🔹 Borate Wood Treatments

In new construction or remodeling projects, treating wood with borate solutions can repel termites and protect against future infestations.

The Cost of Drywood Termite Damage

Left untreated, drywood termites can cause severe structural damage—costing thousands in repairs. According to industry estimates, the average homeowner pays between $1,000 and $3,000 for termite treatment, and even more for structural repairs.

This is why proactive prevention and early detection are far more cost-effective than waiting until the damage is done.

Final Thoughts

Drywood termites may be quiet, but their impact is anything but small. With the ability to live inside your walls, furniture, and framing, these pests can eat away at your home from the inside out. The best defense is a combination of regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and prompt action at the first sign of trouble.