PEST OF THE MONTH
May – Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are found in the southern states of the country. Unlike Subterranean termites, they do not require contact with the soil to live. They generally live in undecayed structural wood with very low moisture.
Hexagonal fecal pellets are one of the distinguishing characteristic of nonsubterranean termites. Homeowners often confuse these to be sawdust or coffee granules. These pellets are found underneath the infested wood. The termites make tiny holes in the wood to eject these pellets in order to make more room for movement.
Drywood termite colonies are small and develop slowly, taking up to three to five years before maturing completely to produce a swarm. Swarmers are the termites that mate and start new colonies. Drywood termite swarmers are light to dark brown with rainbowed wings.