Drywood termites are social insects that belong to the subfamily Kalotermitidae. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require contact with soil moisture. Instead, they infest dry wood, such as that found in structural lumber, utility poles, furniture, and dying trees.
Description and Biology
Drywood termites are typically larger than subterranean termites, measuring about 3/8 to 1 inch long. They are often pale brown, but can vary from light tan to dark brown. The soldiers have large mandibles (mouthparts) with teeth and their pronotum is wider than their head.
Drywood termites are unique in that their fecal pellets are hard and have a well-defined, six-sided shape. As they consume wood, they leave behind distinctive galleries that are smooth and have a well-sanded appearance.
Behavior and Ecology
Drywood termites live in relatively small social colonies in dry wood and do not require any connection to the ground. These termites are typically found in attics and require little moisture in the wood they eat.
They infest dry wood such as siding, eaves, cornices, and walls. They can also infest furniture and other wooden objects. They get their moisture from the wood they consume and from the water produced during the metabolic breakdown of cellulose.
Social Structure
Like other termite species, drywood termites are social insects and live in colonies. The colony is divided into castes consisting of the king, queen, soldiers, workers, and alates (winged termites).
The king and queen are responsible for reproduction. Workers, although they are actually immature termites, are responsible for feeding the colony, caring for the young, and maintaining the nest. Soldiers protect the colony from invaders, primarily ants.
Human Interactions
Drywood termites are known as pests due to the damage they cause to wooden structures and furniture. They can severely damage movable wooden objects such as furniture. In the United States, they cause significant damage on the Gulf Coast and in coastal California.
Control measures for drywood termites differ from those for subterranean termites. They can be controlled using fumigation, spot treatments, or wood treatments.
See also
- Subterranean termite
- Formosan termite
- Dampwood termite
- Termite