Termites are small creatures with big potential. Here’s something to give you some perspective: Termites cause more damage to American homes than earthquakes, fires, and tornadoes combined. Scary, right?

There are over 2,500 species of termites, but only roughly 5% of them are known to cause structural damage to our properties. Among them, subterranean and drywood termites are the most common. Knowing the species that has infested your home is crucial to adopting the right treatment to eliminate it.

What Are Subterranean Termites?

Subterranean termites are found in all U.S. states except Alaska and account for about 80% of the termite damage to U.S. homes.

This type of termite builds its colonies underground and explores the area for food using the thin mud tunnels it builds. These tunnels are usually built along the walls, hidden in plain sight, while providing the means of transport for the huge number of termites (sometimes even as high as 5 million) living in the colonies.

What Are Drywood Termites?

Unlike subterranean termites, the drywood termites do not need soil to survive. They live and nest inside the wood they consume. Though they typically operate in smaller colonies, when compared to subterranean termites, they are quite hard to detect.

How to Detect the Infestations?

For Subterranean Termites

• Mud tubes along the walls or the foundation
• Hollow-sounding wood
• Stuck windows or doors
• Squeaky floorboards
• Buckling floors or ceilings (typically indicate severe damage)

For Drywood Termites

• Tiny, minute holes on the infested wood 
• Sawdust-like pellets collected below the infested wood
• Shed wings near windowsills or doors
• Hollow-sounding wood and bubbling of the top layer of paint

Why is it Important to Identify the Termites Correctly?

Wrong treatment wastes time and money. For example, if you have drywood termites but are treating the soil, then you are missing the mark completely. Meanwhile, the termites keep eating. 

Annual termite inspections are a must. Many termite control companies offer affordable termite inspection and treatment packages. But whenever you notice the slightest sign of termite activity in your home, immediately call the termite company and have a professional check your home. They will know where to look and will also know the signs that constitute the specific species of termites. 

Also Read:  What are the different termite species prevalent in the USA?

Treatment Options

After identifying the species, the next course of action is termite treatment. You need to get those little suckers out of your house as early as possible. Here are some termite treatment options available.

For Subterranean Termites

• Liquid Treatments: This involves digging a trench around the structure and infusing the soil with termiticides. When termites from the underground colony come in contact with the treated soil, they get poisoned. 
• Bait Treatments: With this treatment, there are several baits, filled with slow-acting termiticides, installed around your home. The termites eat the termiticide-infused cellulose and carry back the poison to their colonies. Eventually, the infestation gets eliminated.

The treatment options for subterranean termites are often large-scale since you need to cut off their access to your home as a whole and also remove wood from soil contact. The treatments need to be monitored manually and, if needed, replaced in high-risk areas.

For Drywood Termites

Since drywood termite infestations are mostly concentrated in certain spots, localised treatments are often recommended.

• Chemical Injections: The termiticide is injected into holes drilled in the infested furniture or wood.
• Heat Treatments: The infested wood is heated to a certain temperature at which the termites die.
• Fumigation: When the infestation is severe and located in several parts of the home, fumigation is suggested. A tent is erected around the infested home, and termiticide-infused gas is pumped inside the tent until it reaches every crevice of the house and kills all the drywood termites.

Preventive Measures – Stop Them Before They Start

For Subterranean Termites

• Fix leaks and moisture problems
• Avoid soil-to-wood contact, especially from sidings and wooden structures
• Use concrete or gravel between wood and soil
• Schedule annual termite inspections

For Drywood Termites

• Seal cracks in wood and foundation
• Check second-hand wood (or furniture) for termites before bringing it inside your home
• Use termite-resistant or treated wood during the construction stage

HiTech Termite Control

Say goodbye to silent home invaders. Our expert termite control keeps your property safe, inside and out. From drywood to subterranean, we tackle every termite threat with proven solutions. Book your free quote for termite inspection here. 

Termite FAQs: Signs, Types & Treatments for Drywood and Subterranean Termites

How do I know if my home has termites?

Look for signs like mud tubes on walls, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings near windows, or piles of sawdust-like droppings. These could indicate either drywood or subterranean termite infestation.

What is the main difference between drywood and subterranean termites?

Drywood termites live inside and feed on wood without needing soil contact, while subterranean termites build underground colonies and rely on soil for survival.

Which type of termite causes more damage?

Subterranean termites cause more structural damage overall due to their massive colony sizes and hidden mud tunnels, often infesting foundations silently.

Do drywood termites make mud tubes?

No. Drywood termites do not build mud tubes. Instead, they leave behind frass (wood-colored droppings) and create tiny holes in wooden furniture or walls.

How do I treat drywood termite infestation?

Drywood termites are treated using local chemical injections, heat treatments, or fumigation—depending on severity and spread of infestation.

What’s the best treatment for subterranean termites?

Subterranean termites are best treated with liquid soil treatments or baiting systems to eliminate their underground colonies and prevent re-entry.

Can I use the same treatment for both termite types?

No. Drywood termites require wood-targeted treatments, while subterranean termites need soil-based control. Accurate identification is essential before choosing treatment.

How often should I inspect my home for termites?

It’s recommended to get a professional termite inspection once a year, or immediately if you notice signs like swarming, damaged wood, or droppings. 

Are termite inspections expensive?

Many pest control companies offer free or low-cost termite inspections, especially if you’re signing up for a treatment or annual maintenance plan.

What preventive measures can I take against termites?

Fix moisture issues, seal cracks, avoid wood-to-soil contact, and inspect new wood furniture. Using termite-resistant materials during construction also helps.