Drywood termites can live inside relatively dry wood without maintaining a soil connection. For homeowners, the useful signs are usually simpler than the biology: pellet-like frass, tiny kick-out openings, discarded wings, and damage inside wood.
TL;DR: Frass is the signature clue people most often notice with drywood termites. Ground-termite patterns are different—mud tubes and soil-connected travel matter more. A professional inspection determines what is actually present.
Visual orientation only. Damage appearance varies and cannot confirm species by itself.
Where they liveInside wood rather than relying on a soil travel route.
What people noticeFrass, small openings, wings, or suspicious wood.
What differsMud tubes point more toward subterranean activity.
What decidesInspection findings—not one online visual.
Signs to look for
Pellet-like frass: small, dry piles that may recur below a tiny opening.
Kick-out openings: small holes used to push debris from galleries.
Discarded wings: especially when they appear near windows, doors, or other light sources after a swarm.
Wood changes: hollow, thin, brittle, or internally damaged areas can be clues but are not species-specific.
Activity may be high in trim, framing, furniture, attic wood, or other dry structural wood.
Subterranean pattern
Mud tubes and ground-level entry paths matter.
Soil and moisture context becomes more relevant.
Foundation, slab, crawl-space, and wood-to-ground transitions deserve attention.
Other termite groups
Dampwood and Formosan termites appear in the broader U.S. termite picture too, but homeowners do not need to memorize species taxonomy. Use visible clues to choose the right guide, then let an inspection determine the actual pest and treatment conversation.