Drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they infest, without soil contact, and show up as frass (tiny six-sided pellets), pin-sized kick-out holes, blistered paint, and discarded wings near windows and lights. Treatment depends on how far the colony has spread: spot treatment, heat, or boron for small areas, and whole-home fumigation for widespread or hidden infestations.
TL;DR: Drywood termites nest inside dry wood such as attic beams, window and door frames, roof decking, baseboards, and furniture, and they need very little moisture, so they can thrive year-round in climate-controlled homes. Signs include frass that looks like sawdust or coffee grounds, kick-out holes, blistered paint, discarded wings, and swarmers near light. Spraying swarmers doesn’t help, because they are only the symptom. A professional inspection can decide between spot treatment, heat, boron, or whole-home fumigation, and a swarm indoors usually means a mature colony is already present.
Key Takeaways:
- Drywood termites live entirely inside wood and don’t need soil contact, unlike subterranean termites.
- A swarm indoors usually means a mature colony is already in the home.
- Frass, kick-out holes, surface blisters, discarded wings, and unexplained furniture damage are the main signs.
- Swarmers are dark brown or black with translucent wings and are drawn to light near windows, doors, and lamps.
- Localized treatment, heat, and boron suit smaller or targeted infestations, while fumigation reaches hidden or widespread ones.
- Spot treatments usually cost less, and whole-home treatment costs more but gives complete coverage.
When drywood termites swarm, homeowners often mistake them for flying ants or assume they came from the yard. But unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they infest. A swarm indoors usually means one thing: a mature colony is already in your home.
Common Types of Drywood Termites
1. West Indian Drywood Termite
Common in Florida and coastal areas, these termites damage attic wood, furniture, and door or window frames, leaving small piles of frass behind, and they typically swarm from late spring through summer (May to July).
2. Western Drywood Termite
Found in western states like California, this species prefers dry, warm wood and can spread through connected structures over time, with swarming most common from late summer through fall (August–November).
3. Southeastern Drywood Termite
Seen in the southeastern U.S., they form relatively small colonies that spread slowly but can remain hidden for years, especially in interior framing or trim near light sources.
4. Tropical Drywood Termites
Often introduced through imported furniture or building materials and can establish a colony within a single piece of wood without immediately spreading to surrounding structures.
Understanding Drywood Termites in Homes
Drywood termites do not need soil contact. They commonly infest attic beams, window and door frames, roof decking, baseboards, and furniture. Because they require very little moisture, they can thrive year-round in climate-controlled homes.
Drywood Termite Signs
Catching drywood termites early can save you thousands in repairs. Watch for:
- Frass: Tiny, six-sided pellets that look like sawdust or coffee grounds.
- Kick-out Holes: Small, pin-sized holes in wood where termites eject waste.
- Surface Blisters: Wood that looks bubbled or “sun-damaged” but is actually hollowed out just beneath the paint.
- Discarded Wings: Found specifically on windowsills or near light fixtures.
- Unexplained furniture damages
Drywood Termite Swarmers are winged termites that leave a colony to start new ones. Dark brown or black with translucent wings, they’re drawn to light and usually appear near windows, doors, or lamps during warm months. In termite-prone areas like Florida, spotting these signs or swarmers is a warning to inspect your home.
How to Get Rid of Drywood Termites: Science-backed Treatment Options
Drywood termite treatments must be targeted. Because colonies can be hidden deep inside walls, beams, or furniture, simply spraying the swarmers won’t help, as they’re only the symptom.
Localized Treatments
When termites are limited to a small area, professionals can treat only the affected wood. This works well for furniture or a single section of your home and avoids treating the entire structure.
Whole-Home Fumigation
For larger or hidden infestations, fumigation is often the most effective option. It treats the entire home and reaches termites that spot treatments can’t.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment kills drywood termites by raising wood temperatures to lethal levels. It can be used on specific areas or the whole home and doesn’t use chemicals.
Boron-Based Wood Treatments
Boron treatments help protect wood long-term and reduce the risk of future infestations, especially in termite-prone areas.
If you’re looking into how to treat drywood termites, keep in mind that drywood termite treatment varies based on how widespread the infestation is and the size of your home. Spot treatments are usually more affordable, while whole-home solutions cost more but provide complete control.
How Nextgen Pest Solutions Helps
If you’ve spotted swarmers inside your home, discovered frass piles, or noticed wood deterioration, it’s time for a professional inspection. Drywood termites can hide deeply within walls, and multiple colonies may exist simultaneously without noticeable signs.
A licensed termite exterminator can determine the infestation’s extent and recommend the right treatment: spot treatment, heat, or structural fumigation, based on your home’s condition.
