Drywood termites are one of three termite species that damage NW Florida homes — and the only one that doesn't need soil contact. Unlike subterranean termites (which nest underground and enter through mud tubes), drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they consume. They're especially common in older Crestview, Milton, and Freeport homes with exposed wood and attic access.
Identification
- Size: Soldiers and reproductives 3/8 to 1/2 inch; winged swarmers slightly smaller
- Color: Pale cream to light brown bodies; swarmers have dark heads and clear wings
- Behavior: Live entirely within dry wood — no soil contact required. Create smooth, clean galleries inside wood, ejecting distinctive six-sided pellet droppings.
Note: The clearest sign of drywood termites is the frass (droppings) — they look like tiny piles of coffee grounds or pepper below infested wood. Subterranean termites don't leave frass because they keep their galleries sealed with mud.
Risks and Dangers
- Hidden Damage: Galleries are invisible from the outside — infestations can progress for years undetected
- Attic and Wall Damage: Target rafters, wall studs, and furniture in dry upper areas of the home
- Furniture Infestations: Unlike subterranean species, drywood termites can be transported in antique or imported furniture
- Slow but Steady: Colonies grow slowly (only 50-100 workers vs. subterranean's thousands) — but damage accumulates over years
Control and Prevention
Professional Treatment
Drywood termite treatment depends on infestation size. For localized activity, Cadenhead Services uses spot treatment with foam or borate injection directly into galleries. For widespread infestations — especially in attics and structural framing — whole-structure fumigation (tenting) is the only proven method. Our licensed technicians conduct WDO inspections to identify all active galleries before treatment.
Prevention Tips
- Inspect attics and crawl spaces annually for frass piles or small pellet droppings
- Seal cracks in exterior wood — especially around eaves, soffits, and attic vents
- Paint or stain exposed wood to deter swarmer entry
- Install fine-mesh screens on attic and gable vents
- Inspect imported or antique wooden furniture before bringing indoors
Why Choose Cadenhead Services Pest Control
Drywood termites demand a different approach than subterranean species — and getting it wrong means ongoing damage. Cadenhead Services has treated drywood termite infestations across Crestview, Milton, Freeport, and the Florida Panhandle since 1983. We handle everything from attic spot treatments to full-structure fumigation, plus WDO inspections for real estate transactions. Call (850) 682-4333 for a free drywood termite inspection.
