Drywood Termite

Drywood Termites generally live (feed and nest) in undecayed structural wood that has a very low moisture content.  Unlike subterranean termites, they do not require any ground contact for its moisture source.  A male and female pair (called alates) work their way into the wood chosen for the colonies existance. The opening through which they enter the wood is sealed with a plug of bown cementlike material about 1/8th inch in diameter.  Damage done by Drywood termites is entirely different from that caused by subterranean termites.  These termites are able to cut across the grain of wood, excavating large chambers connected by small tunnels. Swarming usually occurs May through August depending on weather conditions.  Detection is difficult in exact location or locations of this species especially in older homes where there may be more than one colony present. They do not construct shelter tubes because their entire life, besides when swarming is spent inside the wood in which they are feeding upon.  Treatment methods vary but the most recognized and surest means of eradication is full structural fumigation.