Florida is one of the most termite-prone states in the U.S. With its humid climate, warm temperatures, and abundance of wooden structures, the Sunshine State provides the perfect environment for termite colonies to thrive. But not all termites are the same.
In Florida, subterranean termites and drywood termites are the two most common and destructive species that homeowners encounter. Understanding their differences is critical because the type of termite invading your home will determine the signs you should look for, the treatment options available, and the long-term prevention strategies needed.
This article breaks down the key differences between subterranean and drywood termites in Florida—so you can protect your home more effectively.
Why Termite Identification Matters in Florida
Termite control isn’t “one size fits all.” A treatment plan for subterranean termites often won’t work on drywood termites and vice versa. Misidentifying the species can waste time and money while the infestation continues to grow.
-
Subterranean termites are responsible for billions of dollars in structural damage nationwide every year, primarily by attacking foundations and support beams.
-
Drywood termites are less widespread but can infest furniture, attic timbers, and wall interiors without ever touching the soil.
For Florida homeowners, knowing which species you’re up against can help prevent costly structural repairs down the line.
Subterranean Termites: Florida’s Most Destructive Termite
Appearance
Subterranean termites are small, cream-colored insects. Workers are about ⅛ inch long, while soldiers have larger heads with strong mandibles. Reproductive swarmers are darker in color and have two pairs of equal-sized wings.
Nesting Habits
-
Live underground in moist soil.
-
Build extensive colonies with hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of individuals.
-
Require contact with moisture to survive.
How They Enter Homes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes from soil, saliva, and wood particles to reach food sources above ground while protecting themselves from dehydration. They typically enter homes through foundation cracks, plumbing penetrations, or wooden structures that touch the soil.
Damage Patterns
-
Hollowed-out wood with a honeycomb-like interior.
-
Damage often starts at or near the foundation.
-
May cause sagging floors, bulging walls, and compromised structural supports.
Signs of Subterranean Termite Activity
-
Mud tubes along walls, crawl spaces, or foundations.
-
Discarded wings from swarmers in spring or summer.
-
Hollow-sounding wood when tapped.
Drywood Termites: Florida’s Silent Wood-Dwellers
Appearance
Drywood termites look similar to subterranean termites but are generally slightly larger. Their swarmers have reddish-brown bodies with long, clear wings.
Nesting Habits
-
Live entirely inside dry, undecayed wood.
-
Do not require soil contact or external moisture.
-
Colonies are smaller (a few thousand members) but spread out across multiple wood pieces.
How They Enter Homes
Drywood termites enter homes through tiny cracks or exposed wood surfaces. Once inside, they establish colonies in attics, furniture, wooden trim, or even picture frames.
Damage Patterns
-
Consume wood across the grain, leaving smooth galleries inside.
-
Damage is often hidden until the infestation is advanced.
-
Can infest furniture and wooden décor, not just structural wood.
Signs of Drywood Termite Activity
-
Frass (droppings): small, pellet-shaped waste pushed out of “kick-out holes.”
-
Piles of frass resembling sawdust or coffee grounds.
-
Swarmers emerging indoors, especially near windows or light fixtures.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Subterranean Termites | Drywood Termites |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Underground colonies in moist soil | Inside dry, undecayed wood |
| Moisture Needs | High moisture required | Can survive in dry wood |
| Colony Size | Hundreds of thousands to millions | A few thousand |
| Entry Point | Foundation cracks, soil-to-wood contact | Cracks in wood, exposed wooden surfaces |
| Signs | Mud tubes, hollow wood, discarded wings | Frass pellets, kick-out holes, swarmers indoors |
| Damage Pattern | Honeycombed wood, starts at foundation | Smooth galleries inside wood, often in attics/furniture |
Treatment Options for Subterranean vs. Drywood Termites
Because these species behave differently, treatments vary significantly.
Subterranean Termite Treatments
-
Soil treatments: Liquid termiticides are applied around the foundation to create a chemical barrier.
-
Baiting systems: Bait stations are installed in the soil to attract and eliminate colonies.
-
Moisture control: Fixing leaks, improving drainage, and reducing soil-to-wood contact are essential.
Drywood Termite Treatments
-
Spot treatments: Injecting insecticides or foams directly into infested wood.
-
Fumigation: Tenting and fumigating the entire structure is often necessary for widespread infestations.
-
Wood treatments: Borate-based products can help protect exposed wood in attics or furniture.
Which Termite Is More Common in Florida?
While both species are active in Florida, subterranean termites (especially the Formosan variety) are considered the most destructive and widespread. They thrive in the state’s soil and climate, causing billions in damage annually.
Drywood termites, however, are a serious problem for coastal Florida communities. They often infest attics and furniture in homes near the shore, where salty air and humid conditions create ideal environments.
Prevention Tips for Both Species
-
Schedule annual inspections with a licensed termite professional.
-
Seal entry points in foundations, siding, and rooflines.
-
Reduce moisture around the home by fixing leaks and ensuring proper drainage.
-
Protect wood: keep firewood, lumber, and mulch away from the foundation.
-
Consider preventive treatments tailored to Florida’s climate and termite species.
Final Thoughts
Both subterranean and drywood termites are serious threats to Florida homeowners, but they differ significantly in behavior, damage, and treatment. Subterranean termites attack from below, requiring soil contact and leaving behind mud tubes and hollow foundations. Drywood termites, on the other hand, live entirely inside wood and reveal themselves through frass, smooth galleries, and swarmers indoors.
By learning the differences and watching for repair termite-related structural damage warning signs, Florida homeowners can detect infestations earlier and choose the right treatment approach. And because termite damage is rarely covered by homeowners insurance, prevention and vigilance are always the smarter investment.
For more detailed termite identification and management tips, see the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension guide on termites: Termite Control for Homeowners (UF/IFAS Extension)