Termites are one of the most destructive pests a Sacramento homeowner can face. But not all termites behave the same, and knowing whether drywood termites or subterranean termites are infesting your home is critical for effective treatment and long-term protection.
Drywood and subterranean termites differ in how they live, how they damage wood, and how pest professionals treat them. Understanding these differences can help you spot an infestation early and get the right solution fast.
What Are Termites?
Termites are wood-eating insects that feed on cellulose, the primary component of wood. In Sacramento, both drywood termites and subterranean termites can infest homes, often going unnoticed until serious damage has occurred.
Regardless of type, termites can weaken structural wood, damage framing, floors, and finishes, and lead to costly repairs if not treated promptly.
Drywood Termites: Hidden Damage Inside Wood
Drywood termites nest inside dry wood and do not need soil contact to survive. They can infest the wooden parts of your home, including framing, beams, furniture, eaves, and door/window trim.
Key Traits of Drywood Termites
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Nest within dry wood — no mud tubes needed
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Smaller colony size — usually thousands, not hundreds of thousands
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Leave frass (tiny pellet-like droppings) near infested wood
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Swarm late summer/fall to start new colonies
Signs of Drywood Termites
Look for:
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Small piles of frass (wood droppings) that resemble coarse sawdust
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Kick-out holes in wood surfaces
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Discarded winged termites (alates) near windows or light sources
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Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
Because drywood termites live inside the wood they consume, their damage can remain hidden for years until these signs appear.
Subterranean Termites: Moisture-Dependent Destroyers
Subterranean termites live in the soil and require moisture to survive. They build large underground colonies and access wood through mud tubes, narrow, protected tunnels from the ground into your home’s structure.
Key Traits of Subterranean Termites
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Nest in soil and require moisture
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Build mud tubes as protected pathways
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Colony sizes can number in the hundreds of thousands
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Can cause very widespread structural damage
Signs of Subterranean Termites
Common indicators include:
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Mud tubes on foundation walls, crawlspaces, or wood
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Soft or hollow wood with dirt inside
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Winged swarmers in spring
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Visible structural damage such as sagging or warping wood
Unlike drywood termites, subterranean termites rarely leave obvious droppings, making them harder to detect until damage is extensive.
Drywood vs Subterranean: Which Causes More Damage?
Both types of termites can seriously damage homes, but their patterns differ:
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Subterranean termites are generally more destructive due to larger colonies and rapid spread, capable of weakening entire structural systems if left untreated.
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Drywood termites damage specific wooden pieces more slowly, but their hidden nature often means homeowners don’t notice an infestation until damage is advanced.
Either termite type warrants professional evaluation as soon as signs appear.
Why Identification Matters for Treatment
Correctly identifying the termite species matters because the treatment methods differ:
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Drywood termite treatment often involves localized spot treatments, fumigation (tenting), or wood injections to kill colonies within wood.
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Subterranean termite treatment typically involves soil barriers, liquid termiticides, baiting systems, and colony control methods aimed at disrupting soil access.
A pest professional must identify the termite type first, so the treatment plan matches the biology and behavior of the infestation.
Signs You Need a Termite Inspection in Sacramento
Call a professional inspection if you notice:
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Mud tubes or sagging wood
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Piles of frass near wood or furniture
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Discarded wings on window sills
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Hollow-sounding structural wood
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Visible wall or floor damage
Even small signs can indicate a larger problem beneath the surface.
Professional Termite Control in Sacramento
Don’t wait for termite damage to worsen. A licensed pest control company, like AIM Pest Control, can provide:
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Comprehensive termite inspections
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Accurate species identification
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Customized treatment plans for drywood or subterranean termites
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Long-term prevention and monitoring
Termites are called “silent destroyers” because they often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred, but early professional action makes all the difference.
Need Help Determining Your Termite Problem?
If you suspect termites in your Sacramento home, whether it’s drywood termites hidden inside wood or subterranean termites tunneling from the soil, AIM Pest Control can help.
Call AIM Pest Control today to schedule a termite inspection and protect your home from costly, long-term damage.
