While all termites have
long narrow bodies, they vary
greatly in appearance depending on the termite’s role in the colony.
Drywood
termite workers are light brown and 1/8-inch long; “swarmers” are up to
1 inch
long and have cream-colored wings.
Habitat
Drywood termites infest dry wood and
are found most
often in attics. They do not require contact with soil. They obtain
moisture
from the water produced by digesting cellulose. Winged reproductives or
“swarmers” will leave an existing colony and form pairs, then fly to
new dry
wood areas where they enter through small
holes in the wood to start new colonies.
Diet
Like other termite species, they feed
on products
containing cellulose. Unlike other wood-destroying insects, termites
actually
eat the wood.
Termite control: drywood
termites
Make sure firewood and scrap wood is stored at least
20 feet from your home. Seal all cracks and crevices into the building.
Use
fine-grade screens on all windows and doors as well as on all
ventilation
openings for attics and crawl spaces. Seal exposed wood with paint,
varnish or
other sealant. Be sure to seal nail holes and cracks.
