Understanding Subterranean Termites Vs. Drywood Termites
Termites are among the most destructive pests that can invade homes and businesses, causing billions of dollars in damages each year. Two of the most common species of termites homeowners encounter are subterranean termites vs. drywood termites. Understanding their differences is key to effective termite control and termite prevention. As we recognize Termite Awareness Week (March 2-8), it’s the perfect time to learn how to prevent termites from causing costly damage to your property.
What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite in the United States, responsible for the majority of termite damage to wooden structures. They live underground in subterranean termite colonies and build mud tubes to access food sources above ground. These tunnels protect them from predators and dehydration while allowing them to reach infested wood inside homes and businesses.
Signs of a Subterranean Termite Infestation
- Mud Tubes: Pencil-sized tunnels on walls, foundations, or other surfaces are a telltale sign of subterranean termite infestation.
- Hollow Wood: Subterranean termites infest wooden structures, eating from the inside out and leaving hollow walls.
- Flying Termites: The presence of flying termites, also called swarmers, around windows or light sources may indicate an active subterranean termite colony.
How to Prevent Subterranean Termites
- Reduce Moisture: These termites thrive in damp conditions. Fix leaks, clean gutters, and improve drainage around your home.
- Eliminate Wood Contact with Soil: Since subterranean termites require contact with soil, keeping wood structures elevated and using concrete or metal barriers can deter them.
- Schedule a Termite Inspection: A professional termite inspection can detect early signs of an infestation before significant damage occurs.
What Are Drywood Termites?
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not need soil to survive. Instead, they infest dry wooden structures, such as attic beams, furniture, and framing. These pests create extensive tunnels inside hollow wood, weakening the structure over time. Because they don’t need moisture from the soil, drywood termites are often harder to detect until the damage is significant.
Signs of a Drywood Termite Infestation
- Pellet-Like Droppings: Drywood termites push their fecal matter, or frass, out of tiny holes in the wood, creating small piles.
- Hollow Wood: Similar to subterranean termites, drywood termites hollow out wooden structures as they eat, leading to structural instability.
- Discarded Wings: Swarming drywood termites colony members shed their wings after mating, leaving behind evidence of an infestation.
How to Prevent Drywood Termites
- Seal Entry Points: Drywood termites enter through cracks in wood, window frames, and exposed joints. Sealing gaps in wooden structures can prevent them from invading.
- Use Treated Wood: If you’re constructing or renovating, using treated or termite-resistant wood can deter drywood and subterranean termites.
- Regular Termite Inspections: Professional termite inspection services can catch early signs of drywood termite activity before they cause irreversible damage.
Subterranean Termites Vs. Drywood Termites: Key Differences
FeatureSubterranean TermitesDrywood TermitesHabitatUnderground, require contact with soilInside dry wooden structures, no soil contactDamageEat along the wood grain, leaving hollow wallsCreate large galleries inside hollow woodIdentificationMud tubes, swarming flying termitesFrass (droppings), discarded wingsPreventionReduce moisture, eliminate wood-to-soil contactSeal wood cracks, use treated wood
Effective Termite Treatment Options
If you notice signs of termites, immediate termite treatment is necessary to prevent structural damage. Here are the most effective methods:
- Liquid Termiticides: These create a chemical barrier in the soil, preventing subterranean termites from reaching a structure. They are commonly used for long-term termite control.
- Baiting Systems: Bait stations attract termites, eliminating the subterranean termite colony over time. These systems are effective for reducing termite populations without widespread pesticide use.
- Fumigation: This method is often used for drywood termite infestation, eliminating termites throughout a structure by introducing gas fumigants that penetrate deep into wood fibers.
- Wood Treatment: Applying borate-based treatments to wooden structures can help prevent termite infestations before they start.
How Termites Cause Structural Damage
Both subterranean termites and drywood termites can cause extensive damage over time if left untreated. Because termites consume cellulose found in wooden structures, their activity weakens walls, floors, and support beams. If an infestation goes undetected, homeowners may face costly repairs or even full structural replacements.
Key signs of structural damage include:
- Warped wood or floors that feel soft when pressed
- Buckling walls or sagging ceilings
- Doors and windows that no longer close properly
- Clicking sounds coming from walls (caused by worker termites communicating)
Why You Need Professional Termite Control
DIY methods may provide temporary relief, but professional termite control is necessary for long-term protection. Pest control experts can identify the specific species of termite, assess the level of infestation, and implement the most effective termite treatment strategy for your home.
Benefits of Professional Termite Control:
- Thorough termite inspection to detect hidden infestations
- Custom termite treatment plans tailored to your home’s needs
- Long-term prevention methods to keep your property termite-free
- Peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from costly damage
Protect Your Home with ProHealth Pest Control
Whether you suspect subterranean termites or drywood termites, professional termite control is essential to protecting your home. At ProHealth Pest Control, we offer expert termite treatment solutions to eliminate infestations and prevent future termite problems. Don’t wait until termites infest your property—schedule an inspection today.
