Physical Characteristics

The western drywood termite swarmer ranges from 7/16 to 1/2 inches long, including wings. Its head and pronotum are orange-brown, its abdomen is dark brown and its wings have a smoky tinge. Drywood termite soldiers can range from 5/16 to 1/2 inch in length, with reddish brown to orange heads, and mandibles with an uneven amount of teeth on each jaw part. 

western-drywood-termite

Drywood Termite

Behavior

Western drywood termites are mostly found in coastal areas of California. The drywood termite will colonize in attics where temperatures may exceed 131 F. There, they locate their colonies in wood with more favorable temperatures, such as ceiling joists that have bottom sides cooled by the air conditioner below.

Signs of Infestation

Drywood termites eat across the wood’s natural grain, eating both spring and summer wood. The drywood termite will make chambers connected by tunnels whose walls are smooth as if finely sanded. When conditions are dry, the drywood termites will accumulate at the bottom of each chamber, using feces to seal off the chamber.

Treatment

It takes expert knowledge to know where to look for termite activity, then analyze the findings and assess whether treatment is needed, and what kind of treatment will work to arrest any termite activity found. Clark Pest Control has highly trained termite specialists that can look over your property, then help you decide the best course of action. Let Clark Pest Control help. Schedule your drywood termite inspection today.



Latin name: Incisitermes minor