Drywood vs Subterranean Termites

EcoPro’s Guide to Drywood vs Subterranean Termites

Termites, often called “silent destroyers,” can cause significant damage to homes and structures. Understanding the differences between drywood and subterranean termites is crucial for homeowners in Dayton, Ohio where termites are prevalent. This blog post will delve into the characteristics, behaviors, and signs of infestation for these two types of termites, helping you identify potential threats to your property.

Drywood Termites

• Characteristics: Drywood termites are smaller than subterranean termites and do not require soil moisture to survive. They create their galleries within the wood, leaving behind powdery frass (excrement).

• Behavior: Drywood termites typically infest dry, seasoned wood, such as beams, rafters, and furniture. They are often found in older homes or structures where wood has been exposed to the elements for an extended period. They can enter your home through a variety of manners, some as simple as literally flying in. These termites would rather be in your home where the wood is consistently dry than be outside. 

• Signs of Infestation: Small holes in wood, frass, wings, clicking noises within wood, and swarming.

• Behavior: These termites typically infest wood that has contact with the soil, such as foundation timbers, sill plates, and flooring. They are attracted to moisture and wood decay and would rather be on the ground instead of in your home. However, they do enter your home through cracks in the foundation or walls when on the hunt for food. 

• Signs of Infestation: Mud tunnels, damaged wood, and dark spots or blisters on your floor (moisture damage) are common signs of a subterranean termite infestation.

Ohio-Specific Considerations

Dayton, Ohio’s climate can be conducive to both drywood and subterranean termite activity. While subterranean termites are more common due to the region’s humidity and soil conditions, drywood termites can also be a concern, especially in older homes or structures with exposed wood. The most active season for subterranean termites is from March through June, but they are never fully gone during other times of the year – just less active. Keep in mind, to survive, termites need to feed almost 24/7 on cellulose (sugar) to survive, which keeps them coming back to a wood source until it’s depleted.

Drywood termites are not technically native to Ohio, but this type of termite can travel Trojan horse style inside of furniture, boxes, etc. – anything with dry wood. Once they are in the area, they can fly into your home just as easily. 

Why is termite damage such a common discussion? 

To feed, termites eat holes throughout the wood they are feasting on – eating it from the inside out, meaning that often they aren’t noticed until it’s too late if you aren’t sure what to look for. Since they are hollowing out the wood, this can cause severe structural damage to your home or dwelling that they are feasting on. Home insurance can cover termites but if your insurance doesn’t, you could be the one to front the cost of the repairs, which can be extremely expensive! Think ceiling beams, floor joists, walls…

Ready to Defend Your Home? Discover Our Termite Solutions

Termite infestations can be a serious threat to homes in Ohio. By understanding the differences between drywood and subterranean termites, you can better identify potential problems and proactively protect your property.

EcoPro Termite & Pest is here to help! Our experienced team offers comprehensive termite inspections, treatment, and prevention services, tailored to your home’s unique needs. We provide a variety of treatment options to ensure the most effective and efficient solution.

Call us today to receive a free quote and ensure your home is safe from these silent destroyers.