Drywood Termite Identification & Prevention

Drywood termites, like other species of termites, are one of the few organisms that can meet their nutritional needs by feeding on cellulose. Termites have specialized protozoa in their digestive system, producing enzymes that convert cellulose into a usable food source. The most widespread species of termite in the United States is the subterranean termites; they are most well-known for having high moisture needs and feeding on decaying or water-damaged pieces of wood.

Unlike the subterranean termite, the drywood termite has much lower moisture needs. Drywood termites prefer to feed on sound wood without water damage. 

Another difference between the two termites is that drywood termites in Orange County, CA live in much smaller colonies than subterranean termites. Drywood termites feed slowly but efficiently, maximizing the damage they can cause. When feeding on a piece of wood, these termites leave hardly anything but a thin exterior shell behind. 

Drywood termites live in Hawaii, parts of California, and the southern United States.

Termites are dangerous pests if their presence is not caught early because their feeding habits cause considerable damage to the structures they’re feeding on. The damage is costly to repair, and adding insult to injury is the unfortunate fact that most homeowners’ insurance does not cover termite damage. Drywood termites attack sound wood and can cause significant damage to things like wood beams, furniture, and playsets.

The unfortunate truth is that drywood termites can enter any home. The warm weather in Orange County, CA allows these pests to thrive and remain active throughout the year. Drywood termites typically get into homes and businesses inside already-infested pieces of lumber, flooring, or wood furniture. Drywood termites do not sleep; they work 24/7 to feed their colony.

In California, you will find drywood termites living successfully in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Drywood termites living outside near your home have the potential to find their way into your structure eventually. Common outdoor feeding and nesting sites for drywood termites include utility poles, wood fences, wood shingles, wood trim, and decks. 

When drywood termites are in our homes, we regularly discover them in wooden floorboards, furniture, trim, cabinets, and building materials. 

Because drywood termites live primarily out of our sight, termite identification can be tricky. Knowing signs of their presence is vital to eliminating an infestation as quickly as possible. Signs of a potential drywood termite infestation include:

• Noticing small holes that have developed in the exterior surface of trim, floorboards, and pieces of furniture.

• Discovering piles of “frass” (termite droppings) that look like sawdust forming under pieces of wood in or on your home.

• Noticing the surfaces of walls appear like they are blistered or splintered.

• Floorboards or stairs that feel spongy when you walk across them.

Identifying drywood termite activity can be tricky. The best way to identify and properly treat a drywood termite infestation is to partner with an expert. For termite control in Orange County, CA, call The PEST Group now!

With over 250 years of combined leadership experience, The PEST Group is the best way to get rid of termites from your Orange County, California home or business. We are North America’s largest fumigation company, dedicated to our customers and providing safe and effective termite solutions.

If you are looking for an experienced, dedicated professional to eliminate wood-eating termites from your property, contact The PEST Group and request your free inspection today!

In addition to our residential pest control and commercial pest control services, use the following tips to prevent termite infestations:

• Inspect furniture and other wood items for signs of termites.

• Ventilate crawlspaces.

• Repair roof damage.

• Repair damage to your home's foundation.

• Install weatherstripping around windows and doors to prevent drywood termites from easily getting inside.

• Protect wood inside and outside your home from drywood termites by painting or otherwise sealing its exterior.

For the professional help necessary to get rid of your drywood termite problem, contact The PEST Group. We offer effective termite control near you to solve your termite problems once and for all!