Physical Appearance
Drywood termite colonies contain a caste system of workers, "soldiers" and "reproductives", which are all up to ½ inch longer than Subterranean Termites: - Workers make up the majority of the colony; they are about 1/8 inch long, white to cream in color, and have no wings.
- Soldiers defend the colony against other insects that might attack the colony; they are white and wingless with large brown heads and jaws.
- Reproductives, are dark brown to black in color and have two pairs of wings that extend twice the length of the body.
Behavior & Habitat
Drywood termites thrive in humid and subtropical climates, establishing their nests completely above ground in dry wood which does not have to be rotting. A Drywood Termite colony size is SMALL, beginning with as few as 50 workers, and gradually increasing in size over time to about 3,000 in 15 years.
Feeding Habits
Drywood Termites eat wood and other cellulose materials in homes, furniture, dying trees and utility poles. Unlike Subterranean termites, Drywood termites do not require a source of moisture outside that of which is already present in the wood.
Life Cycle
Four to five years after a new colony is established and matures, it produces both male and female "swarmers". Swarming occurs between January and April. Many swarmers die during this time from either dehydration or injury. Those that survive will pair up and begin a new colony, starting with just a few eggs at a time.
Damage
Drywood Termites do cause damage to wood over time; however it takes much longer for extensive damage to occur because of the small colony size. Damage is much greater with Subterranean Termites.
Recommended Products For Termite & Control:
- BORACARE- Provides prevention and control of Termites, Carpenter Ants, Powderpost Beetles and Wood Decay Fungi
- Termidor SC- Termidor SC is one of the most effective termiticides and ant control products available today
For more detailed information on Termite prevention and control, see How to Get Rid of Termites
Products:
View all Termite Control Products
Liquid Termite Control
Termite Bait Systems
Related pages:
How to do a termite treatment
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