Drywood termites live inside dry wood and need no contact with soil, while subterranean termites live in soil and reach wood from the ground. In Broward, Formosan subterranean termites swarm from late April into May, and West Indian drywood termites fly in May and June. The treatment differs, so identifying the kind matters.
Key takeaways
- Drywood termites live inside dry wood and do not need contact with the soil.
- Subterranean termites live in soil and reach wood through mud tubes or from the ground.
- Formosan subterranean termites swarm from late April into May in Fort Lauderdale research and extension work.
- West Indian drywood termites fly in May and June, and structural fumigation is the primary approach for them.
- Identification is confirmed by a technician, because the swarm and the damage can look alike to a homeowner.
How do you tell drywood from subterranean termites?
The main difference is where the colony lives. Drywood termites live inside the dry timber they eat and do not need soil. Subterranean termites live in the soil and travel to wood through mud tubes and galleries that keep them moist.
A homeowner may see winged insects, pellets or damage to wood. Pellets near trim or wood can point to drywood activity, and mud tubes on a foundation or wall can point to subterranean termites. Neither sign is conclusive alone, so the inspection matters.
The table sets out the main differences a technician looks at when deciding which kind is present.
| Feature | Drywood | Subterranean |
|---|---|---|
| Where the colony lives | Inside dry wood | In soil, traveling to wood |
| Needs ground contact | No | Yes |
| Common sign | Pellets near wood and trim | Mud tubes on foundations and walls |
| Swarm season in Broward | May and June (West Indian) | Late April to May (Formosan) |
| Usual treatment approach | Structural fumigation is the primary approach | Soil and wood-contact treatment, chosen on site |
When does each kind swarm in Broward?
Formosan subterranean termites begin swarming in late April and run into May, and West Indian drywood termites fly in May and June. A swarm in either window is a reason to have the building checked.
University of Florida IFAS research in Fort Lauderdale studies the Formosan termite, and its extension material places the spring swarms in the late-April-to-May window. The drywood flights peak a little later, in May and June.
Because the two swarm at different times, a homeowner who sees a swarm can often tell which kind it was by when it appeared. The technician confirms the species on the walkthrough.
Why is drywood usually treated by fumigation?
Drywood colonies live deep inside wood, where a surface spray does not reach them. University of Florida IFAS extension material names structural fumigation as the primary approach for drywood termites, and the choice is made on site after the colony's spread is known.
A targeted treatment can work when the colony is small and easy to reach. When the colony has spread through trim, roof framing or furniture, a whole-structure fumigation is often the answer, and in a multi-unit building it involves the whole structure.
The technician explains the options and the notice each one needs. The quote is confirmed on site before any treatment starts.
Frequently asked questions
Can a homeowner tell the two apart without an inspection?
Not reliably. Winged swarmers can look alike, and pellets and mud tubes can be confused with other signs. A technician confirms the kind of termite by inspection, which is why the first visit is an inspection rather than a treatment.
Does a subterranean termite treatment also protect the wood?
The treatment depends on the findings. Subterranean termites reach wood from the ground, so the treatment addresses the soil and wood-contact points the technician finds. The options are explained on site.
Which swarm should I worry about more?
Either swarm is a reason to inspect, because both can mean an established colony. Call (855) 974-4733 to book an inspection after a swarm is seen.
Sources
This guide is general information for Broward County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.