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Drywood Termite with long wings - don't let termites take over your home with Live Oak Pest Control, Inc. in McAlpin, FL

Drywood Termite

Actual Size: ¼ to ⅜”

Characteristics: Light brown to dark brown, with a darker, larger head with transparent or slightly smoky wings.

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: The reproductive alate termites have two pairs of wings of equal length, which are often longer than their bodies.

Habitat: Do not require contact with soil and can thrive in wood with low moisture content.

Habits:

  • Drywood termites infest dry wood and have evolved to live with very little water.
  • Not as widespread as the subterranean termite species.
  • They create intricate galleries in the wood they infest.
  • Have large, rectangular heads with powerful jaws that they use for defense.


Drywood Termites in McAlpin

Drywood termites are known for infesting dry wood without the need for contact with soil. Unlike their subterranean counterparts, drywood termites establish their colonies entirely within the wood they infest, creating intricate galleries for shelter and food storage. Signs of infestation include the presence of fecal pellets, swarming alates, and small kick-out holes in wood. Drywood termites are less prevalent compared to subterranean termites but can still cause significant damage to property if left unchecked.

Drywood Termite Habitat

Drywood termites thrive in warm, tropical climates with mild winters. Unlike other termite species, these termites have adapted to survive with minimal moisture, making them particularly suited for infesting dry, seasoned wood found in buildings, furniture, and other wooden structures. They typically target above-ground wood, often infesting the upper levels of buildings.

Drywood Termite Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Drywood termites pose significant threats and dangers to wooden structures and objects. Their ability to infest dry wood without needing contact with soil makes them particularly challenging to detect and control. Drywood termite colonies can cause extensive damage to homes, furniture, and other wooden materials, compromising their structural integrity and leading to costly repairs. To prevent or control a drywood termite infestation, it’s important to enlist the help of a professional termite exterminator.