Pacific coastline drywood termite

Natural Habitat

Dry, sound wood such as structural timbers, furniture, and dead tree limbs; they do not require contact with soil.

Diet & Feeding

Cellulose found in dry wood; they use specialized protozoa in their gut to digest wood fibers.

Behavior Patterns

They live in small colonies within wood. During 'swarming season' (often late summer or fall), winged reproductives fly out to find new wood to infest. They are known for leaving distinctive granular fecal pellets (frass).

Risks & Benefits

They are significant structural pests that can cause extensive damage to homes and wooden structures. In the ecosystem, they benefit the environment by breaking down dead trees and recycling nutrients.

Identified on: 6/9/2026