| Scientific name | Incisitermes minor |
|---|---|
| Group | Termites |
| Size | 8–12 mm (up to about 0.47 in) |
| Colors | Brown, Tan and Red |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Indoors, anywhere |
| Most active | Summer and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The drywood termite is a small member of the termites group. Straight antennae, a thick waist and, in swarmers, four equal wings. Check for these three features:
- Small piles of hard, six-sided fecal pellets
- Reddish-brown swarmers with smoky wings
- Colonies inside wood with no mud tubes
About this bug
A termite that lives entirely inside dry wood such as furniture, attics and window frames, with no soil contact. It is most common in coastal California, the Southwest and Florida.
You'll usually find drywood termites indoors. They are most active in summer and fall.
Is it dangerous?
Drywood termites don't bite people; long-term colonies weaken furniture and framing.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see drywood termites
Drywood Termites are most active in summer and fall. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: indoors, anywhere.
About termites
The drywood termite is one of the termites. Termites live in colonies with a king, queen, workers and soldiers. Workers are pale, soft and rarely seen because they avoid light and dry air. Once a year, winged swarmers leave mature colonies to start new ones.
Swarmers indoors, discarded wings on windowsills and mud tubes on foundations are the three most common early warning signs.
What to do about it
- Have a professional confirm the activity and its extent
- Consider spot treatment for small areas or fumigation for widespread colonies
- Seal and paint exposed wood and screen attic vents
Bugs that look similar
Size: Drywood Termites are larger, reaching 12 mm, while eastern subterranean termites top out around 10 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a drywood termite look like?
Small piles of hard, six-sided fecal pellets. Adults measure 8–12 mm (up to about 0.47 in).
Does the drywood termite bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Drywood termites don't bite people; long-term colonies weaken furniture and framing.
Where do drywood termites live?
Drywood Termites live indoors.
When are drywood termites most active?
Mostly in summer and fall.