Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not need any contact with the soil. They can be found in a narrow strip from Virginia, south to Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico, and from Mexico to Southern California.
After a pair of male and female termites decides on a section of wood chosen for their nest, they work their way through the wood and close the opening left behind them with brown cement-like material that measures about 1/8th of an inch in diameter. The male and female then excavate a chamber where the queen can first lay her eggs. Unlike subterranean termites, no worker caste is produced from the nymphs. Only soldiers and reproductives are developed.
The nymphs make round holes 1/16 to 1/8" in diameter through which the reproductives leave the wood during swarming season. When this swarming activity is completed, the holes are sealed in the same manner in which the entrance holes were plugged.
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The damage caused by drywood termites are entirely different from that caused by subterranean termites. These termites cut across the grain of wood and create large chambers, which are connected by small tunnels. Instead of fecal matter building up inside the galleries or nests, the excreta pellets are ejected through small openings in the wood or stored in unused chambers.
It should be mentioned here that the excreta of drywood termites is one of their distinguishing characteristics used in identification of infestation. The pellets are hard and have six concave surfaces on the sides with the ends being rounded. This is also useful in distinguishing between species that could be infesting structures that are not drywood termites. For instance, certain wood-destroying beetles eject pellets from the wood in which they are feeding also. Instead of actually having to physically see the insects, you can just examine their excrement.
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Entrance into wood is usually made from a crack or crevice or a crack in the wood itself. Drywood termites may also through joints between two pieces of wood or even the space underneath roofing or sheathing paper. Because these termites do not need direct soil contact, they can be carried to geographical areas where they are not usually found. These forms of transportation include the moving of wooden furniture and other objects.
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Drywood termites like any kind of wood. Structural timbers and building woodwork, in addition to furniture and other wooden object are prime food.
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The dark western drywood termite: The most destructive drywood termite in the country; It is found from California east to Arizona and Utah. In these areas, it causes extensive damage to structures as well as piled lumber, furniture, and telephone poles. Swarms are small and occur between April and July. Winged adults are approximately 1/2" long and dark brown. The nymphs are white and not seen unless the wood is broken open.
The light western drywood termite: Found from California to Arizona; It's also referred to as the southern drywood termite. Habits are similar to the dark western drywood termite but they prefer drier conditions and higher temperatures.
The light southeastern drywood termite: Found from South Carolina to Florida and west to Texas; the most injurious species of drywood termite in that area
The dark southeastern drywood termite: Occurs along the Gulf Coast west to New Orleans and on the Atlantic Coast north to southern Virginia; it attacks wood of utility poles, posts, and structures
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