Drywood termites are a type of wood-eating insect that can cause significant damage to homes and other structures. Unlike subterranean termites, which need moisture from the soil to survive, drywood termites can live in dry wood for years without any moisture. This makes them a particularly dangerous pest, as they can go undetected for long periods of time.

There are a few signs that can indicate a drywood termite infestation. These include:

• Finding termite droppings, which look like small wood-colored pellets
• Seeing damage to wood, such as small holes or tunnels
• Seeing termites flying around your home, especially during the day

Drywood termites are particularly active during termite swarming season. The swarming season for drywood termites in the San Francisco Bay Area typically occurs from late spring to early fall, peaking at the end of summer. During this time, winged termites, known as alates, will leave their colonies in search of mates and new nesting sites. Swarming termites are most active during the day, especially on warm, sunny days with light winds.

If you are seeing swarms or any evidence of drywood termites ATCO Pest Control offers a FREE limited inspection to identify the type of termite, area of infestation, and available treatment methods.

ATCO Pest Control also offers full termite inspections, where our state licensed inspectors will inspect not just the areas of activity, but also the entire exterior, interior, and any accessible attics and crawlspaces. These inspections can catch infestations before they become visible in the living spaces of the home, saving you from needing expensive repairs down the road.