HUGHES EXTERMINATORS

Drywood Termites In Florida

What southern and coastal homeowners  should know.

Drywood termites are a serious concern for Florida homeowners, especially

in the southern and coastal regions of the state. Unlike subterranean termites, they don’t need contact with soil. Instead, they infest dry wood directly, making attics, furniture, and wooden framing all fair game. Their ability to silently cause damage over time makes them a major threat to structures.

Where They Live

Drywood termites live entirely within the wood they consume. That means they don’t tunnel in from the ground like other termite species. They can invade any dry wood in or around your home — including door frames, attic rafters, and even antique furniture.

Swarming Season

In Florida, drywood termites are most active during the spring and summer when temperatures rise and humidity levels increase.

Swarmers — the winged reproductive termites — usually emerge in the late afternoon or evening. They fly, mate, then shed their wings and look for dry wood to start a new colony.

Colony Size and Growth

A single drywood termite colony can grow to around 2,500 members, but they take time to build up. After mating, the king and queen start their colony inside a piece of wood. It can take months to produce soldier termites and several years before they begin producing their own swarmers. That slow buildup makes early detection important.

Signs of Infestation

Because drywood termites live inside wood, signs of their presence aren’t always obvious. Here’s what to look for:

• Frass: Small piles of dry, sand-like pellets near wood surfaces. These are termite droppings pushed out of the colony through tiny holes.
• Discarded wings: After swarming, termites leave behind their wings near windowsills, doorways, or other entry points.
• Tiny exit holes: Pin-sized holes in wood may indicate termites have kicked out waste.
• Hollow-sounding wood: If you tap on wood and it sounds empty or brittle, it could be damaged internally.

Treatment Options

If drywood termites are found, treatment targets the infested wood directly. Common methods include:

• Fumigation: A whole-structure treatment for widespread infestations.
• Heat treatments: Raising the internal temperature of wood to levels lethal to termites.
• Localized spot treatments: Applying products into termite galleries within the wood.

How to Prevent Them

Prevention is key to avoiding expensive repairs. Steps to lower your risk:

• Regular inspections: Especially in attics or other areas with exposed wood.
• Fix moisture problems: Even drywood termites prefer wood with some humidity.
• Store wood properly: Keep firewood and lumber off the ground and away from your home.
• Call a pro: Licensed pest control professionals can identify infestations early and recommend effective solutions.

If you suspect termite activity, schedule a professional inspection with Hughes Exterminators to protect your home from costly damage.  ©

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