Drywood Termites: Silent Destroyers Lurking in Your Walls and Furniture

When most homeowners think of termite problems, they often imagine mud tubes in the soil and swarming pests around the foundation. But another serious termite threat lives much closer—inside your walls, furniture, and wooden structures. Drywood termites are a unique species that don’t require soil contact to survive, making them especially dangerous for homes and buildings with a lot of exposed or untreated wood.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about drywood termites: what they are, how they differ from other termites, signs of infestation, and how to eliminate and prevent them.

What Are Drywood Termites?

Drywood termites are a type of termite that lives and feeds inside dry wood. Unlike subterranean termites, which build mud tubes and require contact with moist soil, drywood termites extract moisture from the wood they consume. This makes them harder to detect and easier to spread, especially in coastal and southern areas where warm, dry conditions are common.

They tend to colonize:

• Wooden furniture

• Exposed beams and rafters

• Wooden frames and moldings

• Floorboards and wall panels

Drywood Termites Laredo, TX can go undetected for years while quietly hollowing out structures from the inside.

How Are Drywood Termites Different from Subterranean Termites?

Understanding the difference between drywood and subterranean termites is crucial for choosing the right treatment:

Signs of a Drywood Termite Infestation

Because drywood termites live completely inside wood, they’re often harder to detect than their subterranean cousins. Look for these subtle but important signs:

• Frass (droppings): These are small, dry, pellet-shaped droppings found below infested areas. They resemble fine sawdust.

• Hollow-sounding wood: Tapping wood that sounds hollow can indicate termite tunneling inside.

• Swarmers and discarded wings: Reproductive drywood termites may swarm and shed their wings, often near windows or light sources.

• Cracked or blistered paint: As termites tunnel beneath the surface, the paint may bubble or peel.

• Tunnels in furniture: Fine, maze-like tunnels are often discovered inside infested furniture during repairs or inspections.

Where Drywood Termites Are Common

Drywood termites are especially common in warm coastal regions such as:

• Southern California

• Florida

• Texas

• Gulf Coast states

• Parts of Arizona and New Mexico

However, they can be transported via infested furniture or wood to nearly any region, including areas where subterranean termites are more common.

How to Get Rid of Drywood Termites

Drywood termite infestations require precise and often aggressive treatment since the colony is hidden entirely inside wood. Here are the most effective termite control methods:

1. Spot Treatments

For small or isolated infestations, professionals may inject liquid insecticides directly into the wood. This can be effective when the exact location of the colony is known.

2. Fumigation (Tenting)

This whole-structure method involves covering the building with a tent and releasing a gas that penetrates all infested wood. It’s the most effective treatment for large or widespread infestations.

3. Heat Treatment

Some pest control companies offer whole-house heat treatments where the internal temperature is raised to kill termites. This is a chemical-free option that’s safe for most structures.

4. Electro-Gun or Microwave Treatment

These advanced tools use targeted heat or electricity to kill termites inside walls and wood. They are typically used in spot treatments and require skilled technicians.

Preventing Drywood Termite Infestations

Prevention is always better—and cheaper—than treatment. Here are ways to reduce your risk of drywood termite problems:

• Seal cracks and crevices: Close gaps in wood, around windows, and rooflines to deny termites access.

• Use termite-resistant materials: Opt for pressure-treated wood or naturally resistant species like cedar or redwood.

• Keep wood dry: Eliminate leaks and moisture buildup that may soften wood and make it more attractive to termites.

• Inspect furniture: Carefully check secondhand furniture or wood before bringing it indoors.

• Schedule annual inspections: A yearly termite inspection can catch signs early and prevent full-blown infestations.

Final Thoughts

Drywood termites may be less visible than other types, but they are no less destructive. Left unchecked, they can cause serious and costly damage to your home’s structure and cherished furniture. Understanding how they operate—and how to stop them—can save you thousands in repairs and give you peace of mind.