Everything homeowners in Orange County, LA County, and the Inland Empire need to know about drywood termites — how to identify them, where they hide, and how to eliminate them.
What Are Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites (Incisitermes minor and Cryptotermes species) are the most common termite threat in Southern California. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don't need contact with soil — they live entirely within the wood they eat, getting all the moisture they need from the cellulose in wood fibers.
Southern California's warm, dry climate is ideal for drywood termites, which is why homes in Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire are particularly vulnerable. A mature drywood colony can contain 2,500 to 10,000 individuals and destroy structural wood over years of undetected activity.
How to Identify Drywood Termites
The most reliable signs of drywood termite infestation include:
Frass (Termite Pellets)
Drywood termites push their excrement (called frass) out of small kick-out holes in infested wood. Frass looks like small, hexagonal pellets — often described as resembling sawdust or coffee grounds with a sand-like texture. Finding small piles of frass near baseboards, windowsills, or furniture is a strong indicator of active drywood termites.
Swarmer Flights
In late summer and fall, winged reproductives (swarmers) emerge from mature colonies to start new ones. Swarmers are roughly ½ inch long with equal-length wings. Finding discarded wings near windows and light fixtures after a flight event is a key warning sign.
Hollow Wood
As termites consume wood from the inside out, infested members become hollow and may crack or blister. Tapping infested wood produces a hollow sound.
Termite Galleries
When infested wood is opened during repairs or renovations, smooth-walled galleries (eating channels) are revealed inside the wood grain.
Where Drywood Termites Hide in Your Home
Drywood termites enter homes through:
- Exposed wood at roof eaves and fascia boards
- Attic vents and gaps in siding
- Door and window frames
- Wooden furniture brought from infested structures
Once established, colonies expand through the following areas:
- Attic framing and rafters
- Structural beams and floor joists
- Door and window frames
- Baseboards and door casings
- Furniture and cabinetry (in severe cases)
Treatment Options for Drywood Termites
The right treatment depends on the size and location of the infestation:
Tent Fumigation is the gold standard for widespread infestations. The entire structure is tented and treated with Vikane gas, eliminating 100% of drywood termites throughout the home in one treatment.
Orange Oil (No-Tent) uses XT-2000, a botanical extract, injected directly into termite galleries. Ideal for localized, accessible infestations where homeowners can't vacate.
Heat Treatment raises wood temperature above the lethal threshold for termites. Chemical-free and effective for room-level treatment.
Spot Treatment directly injects pesticide into confirmed galleries. Most affordable for small, accessible infestations.
Prevention Tips for Southern California Homeowners
- Paint and seal all exposed wood surfaces
- Repair or replace damaged roof tiles and eave vents
- Store firewood away from the structure
- Screen attic vents with fine mesh
- Schedule annual inspections — especially if you live in coastal or foothills areas
When to Call a Professional
If you notice any of the signs above, contact a licensed termite inspector immediately. Drywood termite damage is progressive — the longer an infestation goes untreated, the more structural damage and repair costs accumulate.
Schedule a Free Inspection with Ultimate Termite today. We serve all cities in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Inland Empire, and Riverside County.