Drywood Termites: Signs, Damage, and How to Get Rid of Them

Drywood termites are among the most destructive wood-destroying insects in homes across the United States. Unlike their subterranean cousins, they live entirely inside the dry wood they consume — no soil, no mud tubes, no easy warning signs. By the time most homeowners notice them, the colony has often been hidden in a wall, attic, or piece of furniture for years.

This guide explains what drywood termites look like, the warning signs of an infestation, what treatment costs in 2026, and how to get rid of them — from DIY spot treatment to professional fumigation.

Because of their nesting habits and relatively small colony size, drywood termites can be difficult to detect early. They live directly inside dry wood, which means an infestation may stay hidden for a long time — and damage may be widespread before the problem is found.

That is why it is important to understand what drywood termites look like, what signs they leave behind, the kind of damage they cause, and which treatment options make sense for your situation.

Important: Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not need contact with soil. They live entirely inside the wood they infest, which makes them harder to find and far easier to overlook until structural damage appears.

What Do Drywood Termites Look Like?

Drywood termite colonies are smaller than subterranean colonies, and the differences between castes (workers, soldiers, swarmers) are subtle but important for identification.

• Size

Size depends on caste. Soldiers are about 3/8 inch long. Reproductive males and females (alates) are typically around 1/2 inch long including wings. Workers are smaller — about 1/4 inch — and rarely seen outside the wood.

• Color

Color varies by role and life stage:

• Workers: pale cream to whitish, blending against the wood
• Soldiers: cream to light brown bodies with darker reddish-brown heads
• Alates (swarmers): brown to black, often with a reddish tint

• Shape

Drywood termites have straight, beaded antennae, thick uniform waists with no pinch, and short legs. Reproductives have two pairs of wings of equal length — see our guide to termite swarmers for full identification details. Soldiers have enlarged mandibles used to defend the colony from ants and other invaders.

Signs of Drywood Termite Infestation

Because drywood termites live inside the wood, the warning signs are subtle. Here are the five most reliable indicators:

1. Wood Tunnels and Galleries

Galleries — smooth tunnels carved into wood — are one of the clearest signs of drywood termite activity. They are usually invisible from the outside, but if damaged wood breaks open and reveals smooth internal channels running across the grain, drywood termites are almost certainly responsible.

2. Damaged or Hollow-Sounding Wood

Drywood termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving the outer surface intact. Tap suspect wood with a screwdriver — if it sounds hollow or feels papery, termites have been at work. Other warning signs include surface blistering, sagging trim, and small holes that appear without explanation. See our guide on termite damage for the full identification checklist.

3. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Frass is the single most reliable sign of drywood termite activity. Drywood frass looks like tiny, hard, six-sided pellets, usually pale brown to dark brown. They collect in small piles below kick-out holes in infested wood. This is the key difference from subterranean termites, which use their droppings to build mud tubes. Learn more in our guide to termite droppings in the house.

4. Kick-Out Holes

Drywood termites push frass out of the wood through small kick-out holes about 1/16 inch in diameter. These holes are often the first visible sign of infestation. They are typically found on the underside of wood beams, on furniture, and on trim near window frames.

5. Swarmers Indoors

If you find winged termites near windows, doors, or light fixtures inside your home, a mature colony is almost certainly established in nearby wood. Drywood swarms typically happen in late summer and fall (August through November). Our guide to flying termites explains what indoor swarmers mean and how to respond.

Drywood Termite Damage

As drywood worker termites tunnel through wood to expand the colony, they weaken it from the inside. Their galleries cut across the grain, which reduces structural strength over time.

This kind of termite damage can affect:

• Wall studs and framing
• Door frames and trim
• Hardwood flooring
• Window frames and sills
• Wooden furniture (especially older or imported pieces)
• Attic beams and roof framing

Eventually, heavily infested wood may crack, crumble, or fail completely under load.

Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites damage wood more slowly. A single colony of 1,000-5,000 termites takes years to cause major structural damage. The risk is that they are so hard to detect — by the time the damage shows, the colony has often spread to multiple wood sections through mating and budding. See our guide on termite damage repair for cost estimates and DIY-friendly options.

What Do Drywood Termites Eat?

Drywood termites feed on dry, sound wood — they do not need decaying or damp wood like dampwood termites. They commonly attack structural lumber, hardwood floors, furniture, trim, framing, door frames, and window frames. They get all the moisture they need from the wood itself, which is why they can survive entirely inside a piece of furniture for years without ever leaving.

Where Do Drywood Termites Live?

As the name suggests, drywood termites live inside dry wood — never in the soil. They are found in:

• Wooden door and window frames
• Attic beams and roof framing
• Trim and baseboards
• Support beams in finished structures
• Wooden furniture (especially antiques and imported pieces)
• Dead branches and dry tree limbs outdoors

In the United States, drywood termites are most common in warmer coastal and southern regions:

• Florida — entire state, especially coastal areas
• California — southern half and coastal central California
• Texas — gulf coast and southern Texas
• Hawaii — all islands
• Arizona — southern half
• New Mexico — southern regions
• Georgia and South Carolina — coastal counties
• Nevada — Las Vegas area and southern regions

If you are trying to reduce risk around the house, our guide on how to protect wood from termites is a useful next read.

Habits of Drywood Termites

• Colony Size

Drywood colonies are dramatically smaller than subterranean colonies — typically 1,000 to 5,000 termites compared to 60,000-1,000,000+ for subterranean species. A small colony is one reason drywood termites can stay hidden so long.

• Aggressiveness

Drywood termites are destructive but slower-spreading than subterranean species. The slower pace can create a false sense of security, but the long-term damage in homes with multiple satellite colonies can still run into tens of thousands of dollars.

• Adaptability

Drywood termites are well adapted to dry conditions — their bodies conserve moisture so effectively that they can survive entirely inside dry wood without any external water source. This is why they thrive in warm, arid climates like Arizona and inland California.

How Did I Get Drywood Termites?

Drywood termites typically enter a property in two ways:

1. Through swarming. Winged reproductives leave existing colonies (often outdoors in dead branches or neighboring homes) and fly to new locations. They land on exposed wood, lose their wings, find a mate, and begin a new colony in any small crack or knot they can chew into.

2. Through infested wood. Used or imported furniture, antique pieces, lumber, picture frames, and even firewood can carry drywood termites into a home. This is why some homes develop drywood infestations in single rooms with no obvious entry point — the termites came in inside an object.

Because they do not need soil contact, a home can develop a drywood infestation even with no mud tubes, no foundation cracks, and no obvious moisture problems.

How to Get Rid of Drywood Termites

Treatment depends on how widespread the infestation is and how accessible the affected wood is. Use this 4-step approach.

1. Use Spot Treatment for Localized Activity

If termite activity is limited to a specific piece of wood or single area, foam termiticides applied directly into the galleries are highly effective. Drill small holes into the infested wood, inject foam, and let it expand throughout the gallery system. See our guide on the best termite sprays for spot treatment for the strongest options.

2. Replace or Remove Infested Wood

When damaged wood is easy to access — like a single piece of trim, a door frame, or a furniture leg — removing or replacing it can be the most effective and permanent solution. Burn or properly dispose of the removed wood to prevent the colony from spreading.

3. Treat Exposed Wood with Borate

After removing damaged wood — or during remodeling and new construction — applying a borate wood treatment protects unfinished framing from future infestation. Borate penetrates the wood and remains effective for the lifetime of the lumber.

4. Use Professional Fumigation for Widespread Infestations

For drywood termites in multiple rooms, hidden in framing, or scattered across the structure, tent fumigation is the only treatment that reaches every gallery. The home is sealed under a tarp, fumigant gas penetrates all wood, and the entire termite population is eliminated. See our termite fumigation guide for details on cost and process.

For severe or recurring infestations, professional service is the safer call. See our comparison of the four best US pest control services for free inspections — most companies offer them at no cost.

Drywood Termite Treatment Cost in 2026

Treatment cost depends on the method, the size of the home, and how widespread the infestation is. Drywood termites are typically more expensive to eliminate than subterranean colonies because they are harder to detect and often require whole-structure fumigation.

DIY treatment costs:

• Borate wood treatment (1-2 gallons): $40-100
• Foam spot treatment kit: $25-60
• Wood replacement (single piece): $50-300 depending on lumber type
• Total DIY localized treatment: $100-500

Professional treatment costs:

• Initial termite inspection: $75-150 (often free)
• Professional spot treatment (single area): $300-1,200
• Localized injection treatment (multiple areas): $1,000-3,000
• Tent fumigation (whole-structure): $1,200-3,800 for average-sized home
• Heat treatment alternative: $1,500-4,000
• Damage repair (separate from treatment): $500-20,000+ depending on extent

The final cost usually depends on:

• How widespread the infestation is (single room vs. whole home)
• Treatment method needed (spot, fumigation, heat)
• Square footage of the structure (bigger homes need more fumigant)
• Whether structural damage repair is required
• Your geographic location and pest control company

For a broader cost overview, see our guide to termite inspection and treatment costs.

Tips for Drywood Termite Control

1. Store lumber and firewood away from the house — at least 20 feet from exterior walls, doors, and windows
2. Seal unfinished wood with paint, stain, sealant, or varnish — drywood termites cannot easily enter sealed wood surfaces
3. Install fine-mesh screens on attic vents, crawl space vents, soffit vents, and gable vents to prevent swarmers from entering
4. Inspect wooden furniture and trim regularly for frass, kick-out holes, and hidden damage — especially in late summer and fall when swarming peaks
5. Inspect imported or used furniture before bringing it indoors — antiques and second-hand wood pieces are common sources of drywood termite introduction
6. Trim tree branches and remove dead wood near the house — outdoor colonies in dead branches can produce swarmers that infest your home

Prevention of Drywood Termites

1. Reduce Cellulose Clutter

Remove unnecessary wood debris, cardboard, and unused cellulose-based materials from around the property, attic, garage, and crawl spaces. Drywood swarmers landing on stored cardboard or wood scraps can establish colonies that later spread to the house.

2. Fix Moisture Problems

While drywood termites tolerate dry conditions better than subterranean species, moisture problems still make wood more vulnerable to penetration. Fix leaking roofs, faulty gutters, dripping AC units, and damp areas around windows.

3. Protect Vulnerable Wood

Apply a borate wood treatment to exposed framing, attic beams, and other unfinished wood — especially in southern coastal states where drywood pressure is highest. Our guide on how to get rid of termites and prevent them covers broader prevention steps.

4. Schedule Annual Inspections

Annual professional termite inspections cost $75-150 (often free from major pest control companies) and catch new drywood colonies before they spread to multiple wood sections. This is the single most effective prevention measure for drywood termites.

Subterranean vs Drywood Termites

The two most common termite types in the US look similar at first glance but have major differences in habitat, signs, and treatment.

For the full breakdown of subterranean species, see our guide to subterranean termites.

Interesting Facts About Drywood Termites

1. Drywood termites can survive entirely inside a single piece of furniture for over a decade without ever leaving — they get all the moisture they need from the wood itself.
2. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood colonies have no separate worker caste — younger termites called “pseudergates” do all the foraging and feeding work.
3. Drywood swarms are highly visible events — hundreds of winged termites fly from a single colony at once, usually on warm, humid evenings in late summer.
4. Tent fumigation has been used against drywood termites since the 1950s and remains the only treatment that reliably eliminates whole-structure infestations.
5. A single drywood colony can have multiple “queens” — secondary reproductives can take over if the original queen dies, allowing colonies to survive indefinitely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have drywood termites or subterranean termites?

The fastest way to tell: look for mud tubes. Subterranean termites build pencil-thick mud tubes on foundations, basement walls, and crawl spaces. Drywood termites do not build mud tubes — instead, they leave dry, six-sided pellet droppings (frass) below kick-out holes in infested wood.

Can drywood termites spread from one piece of furniture to my house?

Yes. Drywood swarmers can fly from infested furniture to nearby exposed wood in walls, floors, or framing. This is why infested antiques, used furniture, and imported wooden items should be carefully inspected before bringing them indoors.

Will tent fumigation get rid of all drywood termites?

Yes — tent fumigation is the most effective treatment for whole-structure drywood infestations. The fumigant gas penetrates every gallery in the wood, killing all life stages of the colony. Properly performed fumigation has a 100% kill rate, though new colonies can establish later if exposed wood remains untreated.

How long does it take to see drywood termite damage?

A single drywood colony of 1,000-5,000 termites takes 3-8 years to cause noticeable structural damage. However, multiple satellite colonies — common in older homes — can speed this up significantly. By the time visible damage appears, the colony is often well-established.

Are drywood termites worse than subterranean termites?

Drywood termites cause less total damage per year (smaller colonies) but are harder to detect and harder to treat. Subterranean termites cause more total US damage annually but are easier to identify (mud tubes) and easier to treat with DIY methods like bait stations.

Can I treat drywood termites myself?

Yes — for localized infestations in a single piece of wood or accessible area, DIY foam treatment and wood replacement work well. For widespread infestations across multiple rooms or hidden in framing, professional fumigation is the only reliable solution.

What time of year do drywood termites swarm?

Drywood termites swarm in late summer through fall — typically August through November. Swarms usually happen on warm, humid evenings. If you see winged termites near windows or light fixtures during this season, a colony is almost certainly nearby.

How much does drywood termite fumigation cost?

Tent fumigation costs $1,200-$3,800 for an average-sized US home in 2026. Cost depends on square footage (more fumigant for larger homes), region, and the pest control company. Most reputable providers offer free inspections to give you an exact quote.

Conclusion

Drywood termites are dangerous because they live hidden inside wood for years before damage becomes visible. That makes early detection and quick action especially important.

Match the treatment to the situation:

• Localized activity in one piece of wood → spot treatment
• Unfinished or exposed wood during repairs → borate wood treatment
• Widespread infestation across the structure → professional fumigation
• Severe or recurring activity → compare top pest control services

If you are not sure what you are seeing, start by checking for frass piles, kick-out holes, and indoor swarmers in late summer or fall. Catching drywood termites early can save thousands of dollars in repairs later — and most pest control companies offer free inspections that can confirm the problem at no cost to you.