DRYWOOD T
The drywood termite, also known as the West Indian drywood termite is one of the most destructive pests in Hawaii. One of seven species of termites in Hawaii, the drywood termite has thrived in Hawaii’s year round tropical climate. Along with the Formosan Subterranean Termite, the drywood termite is one of the most destructive pests in Hawaii causing over $150 million dollars in property damage annually.
Drywood termites are divided into three classes: Worker termite, Soldier termite and the Winged termite or Alate.
Where They Live and What They Eat
Unlike other termite species, Drywood termites produce their own moisture source from the digestion of the wood they consume and do not require an external water source.
Drywood colonies create what is known as ‘kick out’ holes on the surface of wood (usually cross-grain feeding lines), and expel fecal pellats that look like dark grains of sand. Sealed kick-out holes are a good indicator that an active termite nest is present and should be dealt with immediately.
Termite Swarmers
Once a drywood termite is established, swarms of winged termites will fly out, mate and establish their own termite colonies. In Hawaii, swarming termites are seasonal and can be triggered by heavy rain or warm, Kona wind type conditions. Does a termite swarm indicate a termite infestation?
