When you think about termites, the first kind that comes to mind is probably subterranean termites, which live below ground and tunnel their way towards your home. However, there is another type of termite that’s quite common along the west coast: drywood termites. Here are three early signs these pests may be damaging your home.

Swarmers

Drywood termites go through a life stage during which they develop wings. During this time, they tend to appear in large swarms as they reproduce and move to new colonies. If you see swarms of wide-headed insects that are about 10 mm long with two sets of wings, these are probably drywood termites. You may want to schedule an inspection to ensure they have not caused damage to your home’s structure.

Chew Marks in Dry Wood

These termites are named for their enjoyment of dry wood. Unlike subterranean and dampwood termites that you commonly see in basements, dampwood termites tend to congregate in attics where the wood is dry. Look for rough patches that look like they’ve been gnawed by a dog. You might notice a little sawdust on the floor under the chewed areas.

Frass

Drywood termites’ feces are known as frass. The frass are about 1 mm long and have a hexagon-like shape. They’re very dry and black in color. If you spot little piles of these in areas where your wood has been chewed, you probably have a termite problem.

The longer you let a termite problem go, the more damage you’ll have to repair. Contact a termite expert like those at Times Up Termite to schedule an inspection and begin the extermination process today.