Drywood Termites in Florida: Identification, Prevention, and Professional Treatment

Florida's climate makes it a hotspot for drywood termites, which infest sound, dry wood—no soil contact needed. They're cryptic; you often only see them during swarming season.

Signs of Infestation

• Fecal pellets (frass): Hexagonal, salt-grain sized, tan—piled below kick-out holes.
• Discarded wings: On windowsills, in spider webs, near light sources after swarms.
• Wood damage: Hollow sound when tapped; smooth galleries across grain visible during renovation.

Prevention

• Use borate-treated or pressure-treated wood for new construction/repairs.
• Paint/seal all exterior wood surfaces; caulk cracks first.
• Remove firewood, lumber, and cellulose debris from against the structure.
• Screen attic/crawlspace vents with 20-mesh.

Treatment Options

• Localized/spot treatment: Foam or liquid termiticide injected into galleries.
• Whole-structure fumigation: Sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane®) for pervasive infestations—requires vacating.
• Heat treatment: Raising core wood temp to 120°F+; no chemicals, shorter displacement.

DIY products rarely reach hidden colonies. Contact a licensed Florida termite specialist at first evidence.