Slow And Steady Eaters In Drywood Termites

Mother Nature has a way of filling the glass half full or leaving it half empty. Drywood termites probably fall into the latter as they generally do more harm than good. Since no sane person would willingly admit these pests into his or her home to chew it down to dust, the defense rests.

Unlike their distant cousins thriving below ground with an occasional saunter above ground for fresh air and a possible snack, these species prefer to reside where the wood is dry, hence, their name. Their choice of residences range from wooden trees, are there other types, to wooden walls of houses and buildings. Furniture and fixtures of wooden descent make potential abodes if the texture, taste and feel are right. Blessed with a slower rate of consumption, these wood pests take their time in nibbling and chewing their way through a selected quarry. Albeit rocking chairs and book shelves will not collapse a few weeks into the invasion, they will in due time. Be forewarned of crashing bottoms and books when one least expects it.

Since their colonies tend to much smaller than the subterranean species, mini outposts can contentedly reside within a room, house or building. Drywood termites known as Powderpost termites slowly eat through wooden furniture once they gain access through exposed surfaces. Although differing labels are attached to others living in other parts of the country, they supposedly do damage of a lesser extent as compared to their relatives living below ground. Boring through the wood grain, they live in tubes and huts. Pathways are not as complex and do not resemble fancy lacework worthy of a lady’s handkerchief.

As these wood pests adopt the slow and steady approach to destruction, their presence is often overlooked. Firewood and untreated wood become stepping stones for unintended visits into permanent residential statuses. One should therefore take extra care in the handling of these potential termite carriers.


Chris enjoys sharing articles on topics like drywood termites and California termite removal.