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Drywood termites (Cryptotermes and Incisitermes) live entirely inside wood without contact with soil — different from subterranean termites. They are common throughout coastal Florida. Here is the identification and treatment guide.
How to identify drywood termites
- 3/8 to 1/2 inch long as adults.
- Reproductive swarmers: dark brown to black with smoky wings.
- Workers: cream-colored, similar to subterranean.
- Live entirely within wood, no soil contact.
- Most active in late summer (August-September swarming).
Signs of drywood termite infestation
- Frass (droppings) — distinctive 6-sided pellets the size of poppy seeds. Often piled below infested wood.
- Kick-out holes — small holes in wood where termites push out frass.
- Discarded wings near windowsills after swarming.
- Hollow-sounding wood.
- Surface blistering in painted wood as galleries develop near surface.
Where drywood termites live
- Door and window frames.
- Attic rafters and roof structures.
- Furniture (especially antiques).
- Hardwood floors.
- Decorative wood trim.
Treatment options
Option 1: Spot treatment with Bora-Care or Termidor
For localized infestations, drill into wood and inject treatment directly. Most effective for early-stage discoveries in accessible wood.
Option 2: Tenting (fumigation) for widespread infestations
Whole-house tenting with sulfuryl fluoride. Required for severe drywood infestations throughout structure. $2,500-$5,000 typical Florida cost. Hire licensed fumigation specialists.
Option 3: Heat treatment
Whole-structure heating to 140°F+ for several hours. Chemical-free alternative to fumigation. Limited Florida providers; cost similar to tenting.
Option 4: Liquid Taurus SC (limited use)
Less effective on drywood termites than subterranean. May work for very localized accessible infestations.
When DIY makes sense
For a single small piece of infested furniture or a localized spot in accessible wood, DIY spot treatment can work. For anything in structural wood or multiple infested areas throughout the home, hire a licensed fumigation specialist.
Verdict
For drywood termites, scope determines treatment. Localized = DIY spot treatment. Widespread = professional tenting or heat treatment. Annual professional inspection is the smart move for Florida homes especially in coastal areas.
Reminder: Always read product labels and follow manufacturer safety instructions. For dangerous pests or large infestations, hire a licensed professional.
Keeping drywood termites out of your Panhandle home
In the Florida Panhandle, a warm, humid climate keeps pests like drywood termites active for much of the year, so prevention is your best defense. A few habits stop most problems before they start:
- Seal entry points — close cracks around the foundation, gaps where pipes enter, and replace worn weatherstripping and door sweeps.
- Cut the moisture — fix leaks, clear gutters, and address AC condensate; humidity draws the majority of Florida pests indoors.
- Remove food sources — store pantry items in sealed containers, wipe up crumbs, and keep trash covered.
- Trim back the yard — keep shrubs, tree limbs, and mulch pulled away from the foundation so pests can’t bridge inside.
- Eliminate standing water — a must in our climate, especially for mosquitoes and other biters.
When to call a professional
DIY prevention handles most everyday issues, but call a licensed Florida pest control pro for a true infestation, structural pests like termites or carpenter ants, stinging-insect nests near the home, or anything that keeps returning after you’ve sealed and cleaned. In our climate, termites in particular are worth a professional inspection rather than a wait-and-see approach.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep pests out year-round in Florida? Seal entry points, control moisture, remove food and water sources, and keep vegetation back from the house. Consistency matters more than any single treatment in our climate.
Can I handle this myself or do I need a pro? Prevention and minor problems are very DIY-friendly. Infestations, structural pests, and stinging-insect nests near the home are safer left to a licensed professional.
Why are pests so persistent in the Panhandle? The warm, humid, subtropical climate lets many species stay active nearly all year, so ongoing prevention beats one-time treatment.