Termites are often considered unwelcome and destructive pests in our homes and properties, with two main types causing the majority of damage: drywood and subterranean termites. Both types have distinct characteristics, habitats, and methods of infestation, making it crucial for homeowners to understand these differences.
Drywood termites, as the name suggests, are found in dry wood areas, often infesting furniture, wooden structures, and even picture frames. They live directly inside the wood they are consuming and do not require contact with soil. On the other hand, subterranean termites build nests in the soil and create mud tubes to reach their food sources, such as wooden structures in homes or nearby trees.
The key to managing termite infestations effectively is to identify the type of termite involved early on, as their identification will determine the best method of control and prevention.
Drywood Termites
Characteristics and Behavior
Drywood termites are a type of pest that lives and feeds on wood, without any need for contact with soil. They survive in very dry conditions, and can even infest dead wood in deserts1. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termite colonies are smaller, usually consisting of just a few thousand individuals2. They create galleries close to the wood surface, leaving only a thin layer intact3. These termites can infest furniture, attics, and other wooden structures4.
Infestation Signs
Some signs of drywood termite infestation include:
- Shed wings
- Fecal pellets (hexagonal, dark brown) called frass5
- Tiny “kick-out” holes left by termites pushing out fecal material3
Damage and Impact on Property
The damage caused by drywood termites is typically localized, but severe infestations can lead to structural damage4. The termite damage may manifest as blisters on wood surfaces, or the presence of sawdust-like frass5. Due to their ability to live inside the wood, detecting and treating drywood termite infestations can be challenging4.
Prevention and Treatment Options
Some prevention measures and treatment options for drywood termites:
- Regular termite inspections: Detect infestations early5
- Heat treatment: Applying high heat to infested areas
- Fumigation/tenting: Sealing infested structure and releasing gas6
- Bait systems: Using active ingredients like fipronil, diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron, hydramethylnon7
Common Species
- Southeastern drywood termite
- Western drywood termite8
Comparison to Subterranean Termites
| Feature | Drywood Termites | Subterranean Termites |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Inside wood, deserts1 | Soil, even at elevations above 8,000 feet4 |
| Colony Size | Small (a few thousand individuals)2 | Larger colonies |
| Structural Damage | Localized4 | Widespread, extensive |
| Soil Contact | No2 | Yes4 |
| Fecal Matter | Dry, hexagonal pellets5 | Liquid feces2 |
Subterranean Termites
Characteristics and Behavior
Subterranean termites are highly destructive pests that live and breed in soil, often several feet below the surface. These termites require moisture to survive, and they build mud tubes to maintain a moist environment while traveling from their nests to wooden structures1. Their colonies consist of three main caste members: workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites called swarmers4.
Infestation Signs
Some common signs of a subterranean termite infestation include:
- Mud tubes extending from soil to wooden structures1
- Swarmers shedding wings near home access points4
- Hollow or damaged wood with a honeycomb pattern8
Damage and Impact on Property
Subterranean termites are responsible for billions of dollars in damage to wooden structures every year. They can weaken wooden beams and other structural elements, ultimately leading to compromised structural integrity4. Their aggressive feeding patterns create tunnels and galleries within wood, further deteriorating the material9.
Prevention and Treatment Options
To prevent subterranean termite infestations, take the following steps:
- Reduce moisture in and around your property1
- Seal cracks and crevices that may allow termites to enter your home5
- Keep firewood and wooden debris away from your property6
Treatment options for subterranean termites include:
- Bait stations with active ingredients such as fipronil, diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron, and hydramethylnon7
- Termiticides applied to soil under and around a property’s foundation7
- Professional inspections and treatment by a pest management professional1
Common Species
Two common subterranean termite species include:
- Reticulitermes flavipes, also known as the Eastern Subterranean Termite9
- Coptotermes formosanus, also known as the Formosan Subterranean Termite2
Comparison table:
| Feature | Eastern Subterranean Termite | Formosan Subterranean Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Widespread across the US | Primarily found in the Southeastern US9 |
| Nesting habits | Soil nests | Soil nests or above-ground nests in structures2 |
| Affected wooden structures | Houses, trees, firewood | Houses, trees, utility poles2 |
| Mud tunnels vs. mud tubes | Mud tunnels | Mud tubes13 |
| Aggressiveness | Moderate | More aggressive, cause faster damage9 |
Footnotes
- https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7415.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
- https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1232.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
- https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/drywood-termites/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7440.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9
- https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7415.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
- https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1232.pdf ↩ ↩2
- https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/termites-how-identify-and-control-them ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7440.html ↩ ↩2
- Louisiana State University – Eastern Subterranean Termites ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
