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Drywood Termite Control in Southern California
Drywood termites are the most common termite species in Southern California, infesting homes without any soil contact. Ultimate Termite provides free inspections and all treatment options across Orange County, LA County, the Inland Empire, and Riverside County.
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What Are Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites (Incisitermes minor and related species) live entirely inside the wood they consume — no soil contact required. Unlike subterranean termites, they don't build mud tubes or require moisture from the ground. They enter homes through exposed wood in eaves, fascia boards, attic vents, window frames, and door frames.
Colonies are typically smaller than subterranean colonies (a few hundred to a few thousand individuals), but multiple colonies can infest a single structure simultaneously. Because they work silently from inside the wood outward, infestations are often not discovered until damage is already significant.
Signs of Drywood Termite Infestation
Frass Pellets
Small, hexagonal pellets pushed out of kickout holes. Often found on windowsills, floors, or countertops below infested wood.
Kickout Holes
Tiny (~1mm) round holes in wood surfaces where termites push out frass. Common in eaves, fascia, door frames, and furniture.
Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on suspected wood — a hollow sound indicates galleries have been eaten away inside. Structural members may feel soft.
Swarmers
Winged reproductive termites that appear in spring and fall, often inside the home near windows and light sources. They shed wings after mating.
Drywood vs. Subterranean Termites
| Feature | Drywood Termites | Subterranean Termites |
|---|---|---|
| Soil contact required | No | Yes |
| Mud tubes | No | Yes |
| Colony size | Hundreds–thousands | Millions |
| Signs | Frass, kickout holes | Mud tubes, damaged joists |
| Best treatments | Fumigation, heat, orange oil | Termidor, borate |
| Fumigation effective? | Yes | No |
Treatment Options for Drywood Termites
Tent Fumigation
The most effective whole-house treatment. Vikane gas penetrates all wood and eliminates every life stage. Required for widespread or multi-area infestations.
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Orange Oil (No-Tent)
d-Limonene injected directly into termite galleries. Effective for localized infestations. No need to leave your home.
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Heat Treatment
Raises the structure to 130–140°F, killing all termite life stages without chemicals. Chemical-free alternative to fumigation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of drywood termites?
Signs include frass pellets (small hexagonal droppings), kickout holes in wood surfaces, hollow-sounding wood when tapped, and swarmers appearing inside the home in spring or fall.
How do I know if I have drywood or subterranean termites?
Drywood termites leave frass pellets and kickout holes but no mud tubes. Subterranean termites build mud tubes along foundations and require soil contact. A licensed inspector can confirm the species.
Does fumigation work on drywood termites?
Yes — tent fumigation is the most effective whole-house treatment for drywood termites. Vikane gas penetrates all wood in the structure, eliminating every life stage.
Can orange oil treat drywood termites?
Yes, for localized infestations. Orange oil (d-limonene) kills termites on contact when injected into galleries. It is not effective for whole-house infestations.
How much does drywood termite treatment cost?
Costs vary by method: spot treatment $300–$800, orange oil $500–$1,500, heat treatment $1,200–$3,000, tent fumigation $1,500–$4,000. A free inspection determines the right approach.
Suspect Drywood Termites? Get a Free Inspection.
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