Drywood Termite
Cryptotermes / Incisitermes spp.
Termites that live inside dry wood with no soil contact — common on the coast.
In Florida, Drywood Termite (Cryptotermes / Incisitermes spp.) rates as a dangerous concern. For termite control in Florida's Treasure & Space Coast, Rhino Pest Management sends licensed (#JB242881) and insured technicians and backs the work with a free re-service guarantee; 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews. Free estimate: (772) 589-6842.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain) · Wikimedia Commons
Slightly larger than subterranean workers, with swarmers up to 12 mm. The giveaway is six-sided sand-like fecal pellets pushed out of 'kick-out' holes.
Dry, sound wood — attic rafters, eaves, window and door frames, hardwood floors and wooden furniture. No soil or moisture required.
- Small piles of hard, six-sided pellets (frass)
- Tiny kick-out holes in wood, trim or furniture
- Swarmers around lights, especially in spring and summer
- Hollow-sounding wood
Drywood termites infest attic framing, trim, doors, and even furniture without any ground contact, making them common in beachside homes and easy to spread via infested wood.
Should I call today?
Yes — treat this as a priority. Drywood Termite poses a real risk to people or pets, so don't try to handle it yourself: disturbing it is how most people get hurt. Keep everyone clear of the area and get a professional out to identify and remove it.
Rhino inspects and treats localized infestations directly; widespread infestations may need fumigation, which we'll coordinate. Annual monitoring keeps new colonies from taking hold.
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Scientific source
For the biology behind this page, the University of Florida's IFAS Extension publishes a detailed Featured Creatures profile of this species — free to read, and written by entomologists in this state:
West Indian Drywood Termite Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) — UF/IFAS Extension