What Drywood Termites Are Doing to Fort Myers Homes (That You Can’t See)

Fort Myers’ warm, coastal environment makes it a perfect breeding ground for termites, and drywood termites are among the most destructive species in the area. These silent invaders don’t need soil to survive, allowing them to infest wooden structures like walls, furniture, and flooring. Their hidden colonies can cause thousands of dollars in damage before you even spot the problem.

Drywood Termites and Their Hidden Damage

Why Fort Myers Homes Are at Risk

With its consistent warmth and humidity, Fort Myers offers ideal conditions for drywood termites to thrive year-round. Homes with exposed wooden features like decks, siding, or furniture are especially vulnerable to infestations.

Perfect Conditions for Infestations

1. Year-Round Warmth allows termites to remain active and spread quickly, unlike in areas with colder winters.
2. Swarming Season: Termites swarm to establish new colonies, often choosing nearby structures. Swarmers are attracted to light, so spotting discarded wings around windows or doorframes is an early clue.
3. No Ground Contact Needed: Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they consume, bypassing the ground and silent tunneling systems that typically reveal termite activity.

For homeowners in the region, staying proactive is key to avoiding long-term structural damage.

Hard-to-Spot but Devastating

Drywood termites are particularly dangerous because they live and feed within the wood itself, leaving no visible tunnels like their subterranean counterparts. Their infrequent visibility often means the damage is severe by the time it’s found.

Signs of an Infestation

Look for subtle clues that termites may be present in your home, such as:

• Frass (Termite Droppings): Small, pellet-like droppings with a distinctive six-sided shape, often found near infested wood. Discarded Wings: Found around windows, doors, or light fixtures.
• Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tap on wooden areas; if they sound hollow or weak, it could indicate internal damage.
• Warped Doors or Windows: Damaged wood can swell, making doors or windows difficult to open.

Because their colonies remain hidden within the wood, professional inspections are often the best way to confirm termite activity early.

Protecting Your Home from Drywood Termites

Prevention is always easier and more affordable than repairs. Taking proactive steps to safeguard your home can go a long way in avoiding termite issues altogether.

Prevention Tips

• Seal Gaps and Cracks: Inspect for openings in walls, roofing, and around utility lines, then close them with caulk or other sealants.
• Treat Wood Surfaces: Paint, seal, or varnish exposed outdoor wood, such as decks or siding, to make it less attractive to termites.
• Inspect Furniture: Check used furniture closely for termite signs before bringing items into your house.
• Clean Regularly: Remove leftover wood scraps, cardboard boxes, or other clutter from around your home that may provide food or shelter for termites.
• Schedule Regular Inspections: Professional assessments from termite control experts help detect any termite presence early and prevent damage from spreading.

Take Action to Protect Your Fort Myers Home

Drywood termites may be hidden, but their impact can devastate your home’s integrity and your wallet. The key to combating these invaders is understanding the risks, knowing the signs, and acting quickly when issues arise.

By staying proactive with sealing, inspections, and professional pest control, you can keep your Fort Myers home safe from these silent destructors. Invest in termite prevention today with a pest control company near you and enjoy peace of mind for years to come!