Identifying Wood-Destroying Organisms

Q: What are the signs of drywood termite infestation?

Drywood termites leave behind droppings known as frass, which are small, sand-like pellets pushed out of the wood. You might also find discarded wings after a swarm, typically near windows or light sources. In some cases, you may notice bulges or ripples in painted wood, indicating the termites have hollowed out the wood just below the surface.

Q: What does termite frass look like?

Termite frass, left by drywood termites, looks like tiny, hard pellets often compared to grains of sand or coffee grounds. It varies in color depending on the type of wood being consumed and is typically found in small piles beneath infested areas.

Q: What are the signs of subterranean infestation?

The most common sign of subterranean termites is the presence of mud tubes along walls, foundations, or other surfaces. These tubes help them travel and retain moisture. You may also find mud packed into damaged wood. Subterranean swarmers have black bodies and are slightly smaller than drywood swarmers.

Q: What Does Dry Rot (Wood Decay Fungus) Look Like?

Dry rot, caused by wood decay fungus, often appears as discolored, cracked, or crumbly wood. The surface may look sunken or dry, and the wood may easily flake apart. In more advanced stages, you might see a white or grayish fungal growth, especially in damp or poorly ventilated areas.

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What are the signs of drywood termite infestation?
What does termite frass look like?
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What Does Dry Rot (Wood Decay Fungus) Look Like?

Southern California is home to a variety of wood-destroying organisms that can cause significant damage to structures if left unchecked. Understanding the types of organisms that pose a threat is the first step in protecting your property. This page will guide you through the identification of the three primary culprits: drywood termites, subterranean termites, and dryrot. If you’re unsure about what you’re seeing at your property, we’re just a message away.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are small, wood-destroying insects and are very common in Southern California. Workers, the most numerous members of the colony, are cream-colored and about 1/8 inch long. Soldiers are similar in size with larger heads and bigger mandibles. Swarmers, or reproductives, are dark and reddish brown with translucent wings and about 1/2 inch long. During warm weather, particularly on sunny days, swarmers leave the colony in search of new nesting sites. Most swarmers die relatively quickly due to environmental factors. However, a few manage to find suitable cracks or exposed wood, shed their wings, and establish a new colony.

What are the signs of drywood termite infestation?

Drywood termites leave behind a few clear signs. One of the most common is their droppings, known as frass — small, sand-like pellets they push out of the wood. Another giveaway is discarded wings, often found near windows or light fixtures after a swarm. You might also notice subtle bulges or ripples in painted or finished wood, which can indicate that the termites have hollowed out the wood just below the surface.

What does termite frass look like?

One of the key identifying features of drywood termites is their frass, or droppings. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not use their waste to construct mud tubes. Instead, they push their frass out of small kick-out holes near the nest. Drywood termite frass is often found in small piles and resembles sawdust or tiny pellets. These pellets are hard, oval-shaped, and have ridges along their sides. The presence of frass is a clear indicator of a drywood termite infestation and is often one of the first signs noticed by homeowners.

Drywood termites and frass inside damaged wood — Drywood termites and their frass inside a damaged wood structure. The termites remain hidden within the wood, potentially creating extensive internal damage.

Close-up of drywood termites next to frass pellets — Drywood termites alongside their distinct frass, which resembles tiny, ridged pellets. These termites, with their cream-colored bodies, are rarely seen outside of their wooden habitats.

Shed termite wings and dead swarmers on windowsill — Shed wings and deceased swarmers on a windowsill, a common sign of a termite infestation. Swarmers, or reproductive termites, are often drawn to light sources where they shed their wings. However, once separated from the colony, they typically perish quickly.

Frass on windowsill near drywood termite kick-out hole — Frass left behind by drywood termites, often mistaken for sawdust. Seen here on a windowsill, with a kick-out hole visible on the right.

Extensive internal damage from drywood termites with visible frass — Extensive damage caused by drywood termites, with visible frass accumulating within the hollowed wood. The termites burrow deep into the structure, weakening its integrity over time.

Slight bulge in surface wood indicating internal termite damage — A slight bulge or wrinkled appearance, often caused by hollow voids just below the surface. Subtle signs like this can indicate underlying structural damage.

Drywood termite frass pile beneath a kick-out hole — A pile of frass beneath a kick-out hole.

Scattered drywood termite frass on hardwood floor — Frass scattered across a wooden floor.

Severe termite damage in eaves caused by long-term infestation — Uncontrolled drywood termite infestations can lead to severe structural damage over time, as demonstrated by the extensive deterioration visible in the eaves shown here.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are a less common threat to homes in Southern California compared to drywood termites. While most homes in the region either have or will encounter drywood termites at some point, subterranean termites are not as widespread. These termites live underground and build mud tubes to reach wood and other cellulose materials above ground. They often incorporate mud into their tunnels and galleries, which helps retain moisture and protect them from predators..

What are the signs of subterranean infestation?

The most recognizable sign of a subterranean termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes — narrow, earth-colored tunnels usually found along foundations, walls, or other structural surfaces. You may also find mud packed inside damaged wood. Subterranean swarmers, which are the reproductive members of the colony, have black bodies and are slightly smaller than drywood swarmers. Although many members of the colony look similar to drywood termites, the color of the swarmers is one of the easiest ways to tell them apart.

Subterranean termites with visible swarmers and soldiers — Subterranean termites with workers, swarmers, and soldiers clearly visible. The black-bodied swarmers, with translucent wings, are reproductive termites that leave the colony to establish new ones.

Subterranean termite mud tube on damaged wood surface — Subterranean termite damage with a visible mud tube on the surface of the wood. These tubes are used by termites to travel between their colony and food sources while staying protected from predators and dry conditions.

Network of subterranean termite mud tubes across wood — Mud tubes spreading across the surface of the wood.

Heavy mud tube infestation on beam in crawl space — Subterranean termite mud tubes covering a wooden beam in a crawl space under a house.

Subterranean termite soldiers guarding swarmers during exit — Subterranean termite soldiers emerge to guard swarmers as they leave to establish new colonies. Their large heads and mandibles make them vital for colony defense.

Dryrot

Dryrot is a wood-destroying fungus that thrives in damp environments. Often mistaken for water damage, dryrot is caused by the fungus breaking down wood fibers, not by water itself. Water alone typically causes wood to swell and shrink, leading to visible problems like cracks, warping, joint separation, buckling, and damaged finishes. Outdoor wood is further affected by UV radiation and temperature changes, which accelerate surface wear and create entry points for moisture.

Cracks and unfinished wood surfaces trap moisture, creating the ideal conditions for fungal growth. Unlike water’s indirect effects, dryrot directly compromises the structural integrity of the wood, making early identification and prevention critical to avoiding extensive damage.

What Does Dry Rot (Wood Decay Fungus) Look Like?

Identifying dryrot early can prevent costly repairs. Common signs of dryrot include:

Soft wood: Wood should feel firm and solid to the touch. If it feels soft or spongy, it’s a clear indicator of dryrot.
Cracking or crumbling: Wood may crack along the grain or crumble when pressure is applied.
Shrunken wood: Uneven surfaces or distorted shapes may suggest underlying rot.
Fungal growth: Visible fungal threads or fruiting bodies, such as white or gray mold-like formations, are a clear indication.

Dryrot on sunken patio cover rafter — This image shows dryrot on a patio cover rafter, identifiable by its sunken and uneven appearance. Addressing dryrot early can prevent further structural deterioration.

Dryrot and fungal growth on starter board — Dryrot affecting the starter board beneath the roofline. Note the fungal growth on the right side.

Cracked and softened deck board from dryrot — Dryrot affecting a deck board, evident by its slightly shrunken appearance and deep cracks. In addition to this look, the wood will feel soft or spongy when pressed or probed.

Crumbling dryrot at base of door frame — Dryrot at the base of a door frame, showing crumbling and decayed wood.

Dryrot decay at fascia corner edge — Dryrot at the corner of fascia, showing decay and loss of material.

Severe dryrot at base of exterior post — Dryrot at the base of a wooden post, revealing crumbling and decayed wood.

Fungal growth on rafter end caused by dryrot — Dryrot at the end of a rafter. Note the fungal growths, which are a clear indication of the fungus causing the dryrot.

Recognizing the signs early can make all the difference. Whether it’s the pinholes of drywood termites, the mud tubes of subterranean colonies, or the telltale signs of dryrot, early detection helps prevent costly repairs down the line. If you suspect wood-destroying organisms at your property, schedule an inspection with WoodWise Termite. We’ll help you identify the problem and recommend the right solution.