Drywood Termites in South Florida

Drywood termites are one of South Florida’s most damaging pests — and one of the most quietly destructive. Unlike subterranean termites that travel from the soil, drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they’re consuming. They can infest door frames, window sills, attic lumber, furniture, and baseboards for years before homeowners notice any visible signs. Per the EPA termite guide, drywood termites cause hundreds of millions of dollars in structural damage annually across the southern United States.

How to Identify Drywood Termites

Frass (Termite Droppings)

Drywood termite frass is the most common first sign of infestation. These tiny, pellet-like droppings are ejected from small holes in infested wood and accumulate in small piles on floors, windowsills, and furniture below the infestation. Frass comes in a range of colors — from cream to red, brown, and black — varying by the wood the termites are consuming. The pellets have a distinctive hexagonal cross-section when viewed under magnification.

Kicker Holes

Drywood termites create tiny 1/8-inch holes in wood called ‘kicker holes’ — the ejection points for frass. These appear as small, perfectly round holes in wood trim, door frames, and baseboards. Finding multiple kicker holes in an area is a reliable sign of an established infestation.

Swarmers (Alates)

When a drywood termite colony matures (3–5 years), it produces winged reproductive termites called swarmers or alates. In South Florida, drywood termite swarms typically occur from April through July, often triggered by warm temperatures after rain. Finding winged termites or piles of discarded wings indoors is a serious warning sign of an established colony.

Drywood Termite Species in South Florida

• Florida drywood termite (Cryptotermes cavifrons) — most common species
• West Indian drywood termite (Cryptotermes brevis) — widespread, particularly aggressive
• Southeastern drywood termite (Incisitermes snyderi) — attacks structural timber and furniture
• Western drywood termite (Incisitermes minor) — less common but found throughout the region

Drywood vs. Subterranean Termites — Key Differences

These two termite types require completely different treatment approaches. Drywood termites never contact the soil — they live entirely within wood and spread through flying swarmers. Subterranean termites live in soil and travel via mud tubes. Fumigation kills drywood termites throughout the home but does nothing to prevent subterranean termites from re-entering.

Treatment Options

No-Tent Treatment (Localized Infestations)

For infestations confined to specific areas, no-tent treatment injects termiticide foam directly into active galleries. No prep, no time away from home. Warranted for one year.

Tent Fumigation (Whole-Home Infestations)

For widespread or whole-attic infestations, tent fumigation remains the most comprehensive method. The structure is sealed and treated with fumigant gas that penetrates every piece of wood in the home. Requires 2–3 days away from home and preparation (removing food, plants, medications). Warranted for one year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can drywood termites go undetected?

Drywood termite colonies take 3–5 years to mature enough to produce visible swarmers. During this time, the colony is consuming wood with no visible exterior signs other than occasional frass. This is why annual inspections are strongly recommended for all South Florida properties.

Can drywood termites spread between homes?

Yes. During swarm season (April–July), winged drywood termites fly from mature colonies seeking new wood to infest. A neighboring home with an untreated infestation is a risk to your property as well.

My furniture has small holes and dust underneath — is that drywood termites?

Very likely. Drywood termites readily infest wooden furniture — especially antique, solid wood, and imported furniture. Frass under furniture and small round holes in the wood are the classic signs.

Professional Termite Control in South Florida

Don’t let termite take over your home. Bugsy’s Pest Solutions is a veteran-owned pest control company serving Palm Beach and Broward counties. Our certified technicians eliminate termite with guaranteed, eco-friendly treatments. Call (561) 654-8998 or request a free estimate. See our full termite control service page for treatment details.