Drywood Termites in Georgia
Health RiskNo Risk
Damage RiskLow
NuisanceLow
How to Identify Drywood Termites
Drywood termites feature light-colored, soft bodies and strong mandibles that allow them to burrow into dry structural wood, create colonies, and feed on wood and other cellulose sources.
- Actual Size 4 to 12 mm long, depending on caste
- Characteristics Soft-bodied termites with straight antennae and cream to brown coloration, equipped with strong mandibles.
- Legs 6
- Antennae Yes
- Wings Yes, on reproductive swarmers
What Do Drywood Termites Do?
Drywood termites feed on dry wood and other cellulose-rich materials, often establishing hidden colonies within structural timber that can gradually spread through a structure.
- Drywood termites do not require soil contact, unlike subterranean termites, because they live entirely inside the wood they infest.
- They infest dry, sound wood, including structural lumber, furniture, framing, and hardwood flooring.
- Produce dry, pellet-like droppings called frass, which are often one of the first visible signs of an infestation.
- They enter structures through swarming reproductives, which fly in and establish new colonies inside exposed wood.
Where Do You Find Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites are most often found in dry, intact wood such as structural beams and household furniture, where colonies can stay concealed until damage or swarmers become visible. Places you’re likely to find drywood termites include:
- Structural framing inside homes and buildings
- Attic beams and roof rafters
- Hardwood flooring and subflooring
- Wooden furniture and cabinets
- Door and window frames
- Wooden trim and baseboards
- Wooden beams in garages or storage areas
- Decorative wood features such as mantels or paneling
What Should I Do If I Have Drywood Termites in Georgia?
Drywood termites can invade indoor spaces when they are introduced into dry, sound wood inside a structure, enabling colonies to expand within walls, floors, and furniture and gradually weaken materials. If you have drywood termites, the following steps are recommended:
- Inspect all wooden structures, including furniture, framing, and trim, for signs of damage.
- Look for small pellet-like droppings (frass) around windowsills, baseboards, and furniture.
- Seal cracks and gaps in wood to help limit further termite entry and spread.
- Remove or isolate infested wooden items when possible.
- Use moisture control measures, even though drywood termites do not rely on high humidity, to reduce overall wood vulnerability.
- Contact a licensed pest control professional for a full inspection and treatment plan.
Top 5 FAQs About Drywood Termites in Georgia
Curious about drywood termites? Review the FAQ section below, and contact us via phone or email if you have further questions.
How do drywood termites get into homes?
They typically enter through swarming winged reproductives that fly into structures and establish colonies in exposed or accessible wood.
What are the signs of drywood termites?
Common signs include small pellet-like droppings called frass, hollow-sounding wood, and discarded wings near windows or doors.
Can drywood termites damage furniture?
Yes, they can infest and damage wooden furniture, especially untreated or exposed wood items inside a home.
Are drywood termites dangerous to homes?
They can cause significant structural damage over time because they live inside wood and often go undetected for long periods.
How are drywood termites treated?
Treatment may include localized wood treatments, heat treatments, or whole-structure fumigation depending on severity. Professional pest control is needed for effective elimination.
