Drywood Termite Control in Orange County, CA
Advantage Termite & Pest Company has helped Orange County homeowners eliminate drywood termite infestations for over 34 years, with treatment plans built around your property, not a generic quote.
What Are Drywood Termites?
Drywood termites infest the wood inside homes and other structures. Unlike subterranean termites, they don't need contact with soil to survive, which makes them a distinct threat to furniture, wall framing, and ceilings, anywhere dry wood is present.
Left untreated, drywood termites feed on cellulose, the main component of wood, gradually weakening the structural integrity of your property. Catching an infestation early helps you avoid costly repairs down the line.
Our Drywood Termite Services
We start every job with a thorough inspection of your property to identify signs of drywood termite activity and determine the right course of action. Once we understand the extent of the infestation, we build a treatment plan around your specific property.
Depending on what we find, our technicians use local treatments, fumigation, or a combination of preventative measures to eliminate drywood termites and build a plan for lasting effectiveness.
What Do Drywood Termites Look Like?
Drywood termites spend most of their time hidden deep inside the wood they're infesting, out of sight and out of mind. That's part of what makes them so hard to catch early: for long stretches, there's nothing visible to see at all.
When They Swarm, They Have Wings
The times you're most likely to actually see a drywood termite are during a swarm. Swarmers grow wings, are pale in color, and measure around 3/8 of an inch long, often mistaken for flying ants. But they're easy to tell apart once you know what to look for: straight antennae, a uniform waist (no pinched "wasp waist" like an ant), and two pairs of wings that are equal in length.
Swarming isn't random. It's how drywood termites start new colonies, meaning they're essentially opening up an additional location of activity inside or around your home. Seeing a swarm is a clear sign of an active infestation and shouldn't be ignored.
Droppings Are Usually the First Clue
Before most homeowners ever see a swarm, the first thing they actually notice is droppings, called frass. Frass looks like small, sand- or pellet-like granules, often mistaken for sawdust or ground pepper, and tends to collect in small piles beneath infested wood, on windowsills, or along baseboards. If you're seeing these piles, it's a strong sign of active drywood termite activity nearby.
Wings & Swarmers
Winged swarmers signal a colony is actively expanding, look for straight antennae and evenly sized wings.
Frass (Droppings)
Small, gritty pellet piles near baseboards, windowsills, or infested wood are usually the very first warning sign.
How to Get Rid of Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are skilled at hiding deep within the wood of your home, which makes them a challenging pest to eliminate without professional help. Our team treats infested areas directly and builds a plan designed to lower your chances of costly, structural damage down the road.
In many cases, an infestation can be localized, treated, and monitored without fumigation at all. We use targeted, non-chemical treatment options along with ongoing monitoring to keep watch over your property, often without you ever needing to leave your home.
For more widespread or severe infestations, fumigation is sometimes the most reliable option. The process involves tenting your home and introducing a gas that reaches termites throughout the structure. We'll walk you through exactly what we find during your inspection and recommend the option that fits your situation best, tenting isn't always necessary.
How to Prevent Drywood Termites
Preventing an infestation protects the long-term integrity of your property. A few consistent habits go a long way toward minimizing the damage drywood termites can do now and in the future.
Seal Cracks & Crevices
Seal any cracks and crevices in your home's exterior to keep termites from finding a way inside.
Clear Woodpiles & Debris
Keep woodpiles and yard debris away from your home, since they can attract termites close to your property.
Watch for Warning Signs
Monitor your home regularly for discarded wings, small frass (droppings), or wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Consider a Barrier
Termite barriers or bait traps around your property can help deter termites before they ever reach your home.
Family Owned Since 1990
Advantage Termite & Pest Company has served Orange County since 1990. With over 35 years in the termite control industry, our team is highly trained across all termite types, including drywood termites, and works to eliminate infestations without cutting corners.
We use current techniques and equipment to treat termite infestations, so your home stays protected from damage and termite-free going forward. Customer satisfaction guides every job we take on.
Suspect a Drywood Termite Infestation?
Don't wait until it's too late. Call Advantage Termite & Pest Company to talk through what you're seeing and set up an inspection across Orange County.