Drywood termites in Florida

Drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they eat and don’t need contact with soil. The West Indian drywood termite is one of the most damaging in Florida, infesting furniture, trim, window and door frames, and attic wood. Because colonies stay hidden, damage often goes unnoticed for years.

Signs of drywood termites

• Frass: small piles of tiny, six-sided pellets below holes in wood; they feel gritty, unlike sawdust
• Discarded wings near windowsills and lights after a swarm
• Wood that sounds hollow or papery when tapped
• Blistered or bubbling paint and wood surfaces

Drywood or subterranean termites?

Drywood termites push out dry pellets and leave no mud tubes. Subterranean termites build mud tubes and pack soil into the wood. Treatment is completely different, so identification comes first. If you’re seeing mud tubes, see our Subterranean Termites page.

Why fumigation is recommended

Drywood termite colonies can be spread through many boards and hidden areas of a home, so treating only the spots you can see often leaves part of the infestation behind. That’s why we recommend whole-structure fumigation (tenting) by a licensed fumigation company as the most effective treatment, rather than spot treatments. DNR doesn’t treat drywood termites.

Prevention

1. Inspect secondhand wood furniture and antiques before bringing them inside.
2. Keep exterior wood painted or sealed and repair cracks.
3. Watch windowsills and attics for pellets and wings in spring and summer.

Related pest spotlights: Subterranean Termites and Florida Carpenter Ants.

FAQ

Is it frass or sawdust? Drywood termite frass is made of uniform, six-sided pellets that feel gritty. Sawdust is irregular and soft.

Why not spot treatment? Spot treatments only reach the areas you can find and access. Fumigation treats the whole structure at once, which makes it the most effective option.

Does DNR treat drywood termites? No. DNR treats subterranean termites. For drywood termites, we recommend contacting a licensed fumigation company.

Source: University of Florida/IFAS, Drywood and Dampwood Termites. Reviewed by Ricky Williams, Certified Operator in Charge.