Drywood Termites
- Scientific Name:
- Incisitermes minor (western drywood termite)
- Size:
- 1/4 to 3/8 inch
- Color:
- Pale tan to light brown
- Danger Level:
- None to people, but a real risk to your home's structure
Identification
Unlike the subterranean termites that dominate most Arizona termite calls, drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they eat — no soil contact required. They're pale tan, smaller than a grain of rice, and the clearest sign of an infestation is usually small piles of pellet-like frass pushed out of tiny, clean exit holes in wood.
Swarmers look similar to subterranean termite swarmers but tend to appear later in the day and don't need to stay near soil after landing.
Why Drywood Termites Are a Problem in Arizona
Drywood termites are less common in the Valley than subterranean termites, but they're far from rare — they can infest framing lumber, furniture, and trim without ever touching the ground, which means a home doesn't need irrigation or canal-adjacent moisture to be at risk.
Because a colony lives fully enclosed inside the wood, damage can go unnoticed for a long time. Furniture, door frames, and attic framing are all realistic points of entry, especially in older homes or secondhand furniture.
What to Expect From Legacy
Inspection of framing, trim, attic wood, and furniture for frass and exit holes
Identification of the extent of activity before recommending treatment
Localized spot treatment for isolated activity, or broader treatment for more extensive infestations
A written report you can use for real estate transactions
Follow-up monitoring to confirm the treatment held
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