Subterranean vs Drywood Termites in LA What’s the Difference?

Subterranean vs. Drywood Termites in Los Angeles: Key Differences Every Homeowner Should Know

Introduction

Termites in Los Angeles are a nagging issue for homeowners, thanks to the warm, dry climate and wood-dominant construction in the area. While most know the havoc termites can wreak, many don't realize that not all termites are created equal. Two significant species—drywood termites and subterranean termites—infest houses throughout LA, and each has a different method of detection, treatment, and prevention. This guide describes the key differences between the two so you can better defend your home.

Overview of Termite Threats in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is among the cities most susceptible to termites in the United States. The city's mild winters and hot summers provide perfect foraging and breeding conditions for termites throughout the year. Much of the region's housing features wooden framing or trim, rendering them particularly vulnerable.

The region's two most prevalent species—subterranean and drywood termites—function quite differently. Subterranean termites construct massive underground colonies and attack houses from below, while drywood termites exist completely inside dry wood buildings such as beams, walls, and furniture. Identifying the termite is the first step in selecting the appropriate solution.

What Are Subterranean Termites?

Subterranean termites are perhaps the most damaging termites in North America. Subterranean termites inhabit huge colonies with hundreds of thousands to millions of termites and need continuous contact with moisture to live.

• Habitat: Below-ground nests
• Entry Point: Mud tubes from soil to wood
• Damage Pattern: Wood that has been hollowed out, usually around the foundation or near moist areas
• Typical Locations: Basements, crawl spaces, structural wood close to the soil
• They are usually found too late—only after extensive structural damage has been done—because their activity is concealed behind walls and beneath floors.
• What Are Drywood Termites?
• Drywood termites, on the other hand, reside within the wood they consume. They have no requirement for contact with soil or moisture, so they are more elusive and more difficult to find.

Habitat: Dry wood in structural components or furniture

Entry Point: Cracks, exposed wood, vents, and attics

Damage Pattern: Smooth tunnels within wood, dry fecal pellets (frass) close to infested wood

Common Sites: Attics, wood siding, trim, and wooden furniture

Drywood termite infestations become slower but are undetected for years.

Most Important Distinctions Between Subterranean and Drywood Termites
Characteristic\tSubterranean Termites\tDrywood Termites
Habitat\tSoil (underground colonies)\tDry wood (within structures)
Moisture Requirement\tHigh – needs to be in contact with soil\tLow – tolerant of dry environment
Method of Entry\tMud tubes from soil to dwelling\tThrough open wood or vents
Colony Size    Large (up to 2 million)    Small (thousands)
Damage Visibility    Often concealed near the foundation    Found in exposed wood areas
Telltale Signs    Mud tubes, bubbling paint, sagging floors    Frass (termite droppings), hollow wood

How to Determine Which Termite Species You Have
The identification of the signs can help determine the species of infestation:

Mud Tubes: Thin, brown-colored tunnels close to the foundation is a strong sign of subterranean termites.

Frass: Clusters of little, pellet-like droppings around woodwork indicate drywood termites.

Swarmers (Flying Termites): Subterranean termite swarmers usually appear in spring and are attracted to light. Drywood termite swarmers often appear in late summer or autumn.

Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tap on walls, floors, or beams—if hollow, termites might be burrowing within.

A certified pest control agent is able to examine your residence and identify the termite type.

Treatment Choices For Each Type
For Subterranean Termites:

Liquid Termiticides: Used to treat soil to form a barrier around the foundation of your house.

Bait Stations: Attract termites to consume slow-acting poison, which kills colonies over time.

For Drywood Termites:

Fumigation (Tenting): Whole building is covered and gasified to eliminate termites within the wood.

Heat Treatment: Raises temperature in infested areas to kill termites.

Localized Injections: Foam or dust pesticides are injected into infested wood.

Selecting the proper treatment is based on the location, extent, and extent of the infestation.

Prevention Tips by Termite Type
Subterranean Termite Prevention:

Avoid bringing soil near wood siding or foundation.

Fix dripping faucets and remove standing water.

Install correct drainage systems and caulk cracks in foundations.

• Drywood Termite Prevention:
• Seal all vents, crevices, and cracks.
• Remove dead trees or old, untreated wood near the property.
• Schedule regular inspections of attics, wood trim, and furniture.
• Regular maintenance and annual termite inspections are critical for early detection.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re dealing with aggressive subterranean termites or stealthy drywood termites, understanding the differences between them is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Subterranean termites are usually more destructive due to their large colonies and hidden approach, while drywood termites are often harder to detect until damage is done. If you notice termites in your Los Angeles property, seek the services of a licensed pest control professional at once to determine the extent of the damage and prevent further loss.