Wood Termites in Coastal Southeastern North Carolina
Wood termites, more precisely called drywood termites, differ from the other two types in one important way: they live entirely inside the wood they eat and need no contact with soil or external moisture. The whole colony nests within the wood itself.
Because they don’t rely on the ground, drywood termites can infest framing, trim, furniture, and other dry wood items, and they’re often spread by moving infested wooden objects from place to place. They’re less common here than subterranean termites, but it’s worth knowing how to spot them.
How to Identify Wood Termites
- Swarmers: pale to reddish-brown, with smoky wings; swarm in smaller numbers than subterranean species
- Soldiers: large dark heads with prominent mandibles
- No mud tubes: because they don't travel from soil, you won't see the mud tubes typical of subterranean termites
- Frass: the signature sign, consisting of tiny, six-sided, pellet-like droppings pushed out of the wood
The clearest tell for wood/drywood termites is frass: small piles of ridged, pellet-shaped droppings beneath the infested wood, often near a tiny “kick-out” hole the termites use to expel waste.
Where They Live
Drywood termites nest inside dry, sound wood, with no need for soil contact. Look for them in:
- Attic framing, rafters, and roof sheathing
- Door and window frames, trim, and baseboards
- Hardwood floors and structural framing
- Wooden furniture, picture frames, and stored wood items
Why Wood Termites Matter
Drywood colonies grow more slowly and are smaller than subterranean colonies, so damage accumulates less quickly. But because they live deep inside dry wood and can infest movable items like furniture, infestations can appear in places where subterranean termites never reach (including upper floors and attics), and they can be carried into a home unnoticed.
Signs You Have Wood Termites
- Frass: small piles of ridged, pellet-like droppings beneath wood
- Kick-out holes: tiny round holes in the wood surface where frass is expelled
- Discarded wings: shed swarmer wings near windowsills
- Hollow-sounding wood: blisters or hollow areas in trim, framing, or furniture
- Surface bubbling: wood that looks rippled or blistered as galleries form beneath
How Healthy Home Treats Wood Termites
Because drywood termites live entirely inside the wood, treatment focuses on the infested wood itself. This may mean localized or spot treatment for contained infestations, or more extensive treatment for widespread ones. As always, the right approach is determined by inspection.
Termite work is handled under a dedicated termite agreement rather than the quarterly plans. See coverage below.
Reducing Your Risk Between Inspections
A few habits lower the risk of a drywood infestation:
- Inspect used or antique wooden furniture before bringing it inside
- Seal cracks and crevices in exterior wood, trim, and around windows
- Keep firewood and untreated lumber away from and out of the home
- Maintain paint and finishes on exposed wood, which deters entry
- Have wood items and framing inspected if you spot frass or unexplained holes
Estimate Your Termite Treatment Cost
Every home is different, but the calculator below will give you a ballpark for liquid barrier treatment based on your home's foundation perimeter and type. A technician confirms the final price after an on-site inspection.
Covered Under:
- Home + Yard Protection ($935/year)
- Home + Mosquito Protection ($1,250/year)
- Ultimate Protection Plan ($1,545/year)
- Essential Home Protection (does not include yard treatment)
Frequently Asked Questions
Wood (drywood) termites live entirely inside dry wood with no soil contact and leave pellet-like frass. Subterranean termites nest in soil and build mud tubes to reach wood. The treatment for each is different, so correct identification matters.
The signature sign is frass: tiny piles of ridged, pellet-shaped droppings beneath wood, often near a small kick-out hole. Discarded wings and hollow-sounding wood are also clues.
No. Like all termites, they’re handled under a separate termite agreement priced for your specific home. Contact us for a free inspection and quote.
Coverage
Termites are protected under a separate termite agreement, not the annual protection plans. Termite control requires its own inspection and treatment approach, so coverage is tailored to your home and priced individually. Schedule a free termite inspection and we'll provide a quote.