What are drywood termites?

Drywood termites are wood-eating insects that establish colonies directly inside sound, dry wood without building mud tubes or maintaining contact with soil. Unlike subterranean termites, which live in the ground and travel to wood for food, drywood termites remain enclosed within their wood galleries year-round, making them harder to detect until significant damage occurs.

The most visible sign of drywood termite activity is their frass, or fecal pellets. These tiny, sand-grain-sized droppings accumulate in piles beneath infested wood or emerge from small exit holes as the colony grows. The pellets are distinctly uniform and often appear near baseboards, windowsills, door frames, or attic wood where colonies are active. Finding frass is a reliable indicator that drywood termites are present in a structure.

Drywood infestations commonly target structural wood, furniture, and architectural elements in homes and buildings. Because they live entirely within wood and do not require moisture from soil, they can colonize upper floors and dry areas that subterranean termites cannot reach. Once established, a drywood colony can cause progressive damage over months or years. Homeowners in the Tampa area who suspect drywood termite activity should contact termite control providers for inspection and treatment, as early detection prevents costly structural repairs.