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Termite Differences - Subterranean & Drywood

Differences Between Subterranean and Drywood Termites

Learn the differences between termites.

There are several distinct ways that subterranean and drywood termites differ from one another, get to know those differences in this blog. Damage caused by termites can be devastating to a home if a termite infestation is not treated in a timely manner, no matter if it is a subterranean or drywood termite problem. Being proactive and having an idea of what type of infestation you are dealing with will put you one step ahead of the pests.

Let’s go over the main differences between the two termites.

Starting with Drywood Termites.

Drywood Termites

  • Drywood termites require less moisture needing no contact with the soil. Instead they use the air to infest a structure.

  • Feces from drywood termites resembles salt and pepper piles, called “frass.” They use “kickout” holes to push the excrement through the wood.

  • Drywood termites feed across the grain, instead of with the grain or wood.

  • Color ranges from light brown to dark brown on into yellow. The termites color depends on the maturity and role they play within the colony.

  • The wings of a drywood termite are a smoky gray color.

  • Drywood termites are thick waisted with short legs, and straight antennas.

Subterranean Termites

  • Subterranean termites nest in the ground. They make mud tubes to tunnel the ground in order to infest your home. The mud tubes are protection against predators and dehydration. The tubes give them several points of entry into a structure.

  • Termite feces of the subterranean termite is cardboard like called “carton”, which is used for building their mud tunnels. Subterranean and drywood termites have different feces characteristics that are often used in identifying the type of termite infestation.

  • More particular feeders, subterranean termites will only chew on the softest part of the wood that is between the grains. They chew neat lined patters that look to contain dirt.

  • They often look translucent, creamy white in color but can range from dark brown/black.

  • Termite workers and soldiers do not have wings.

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Black Knight Termite Control

Regardless of what type of termite problem you have Temecula’s Black Knight Termite Team can successfully exterminate the problem. With Black Knight Termite you will receive termite treatment options. If your termite problem needs termite repairs Black Knight has a full service termite repair crew. There are even organic non chemical options available depending on your type of termite infestation. Black Knight treats termite problems all over Riverside, and San Diego County.

Request your professional termite inspection from one our experienced Termite Inspectors today.