Drywood vs. Subterranean Termites: How to Identify the Threat in Your San Jose Home

Good Sense Termite
Apr 17
3 min read

Updated: Apr 24

Drywood vs. Subterranean Termites, which ones are invading your home?

San Jose homeowners know the value of a solid foundation—both literally and figuratively. But nothing threatens that faster than a hidden termite infestation. In the Bay Area, the two primary culprits are Drywood termites (Cryptotermes spp.) and Subterranean termites (Reticulitermes spp.).

While both can cause significant damage to your home, they behave very differently—and require different treatment strategies. Let’s break down how to identify which pest you’re dealing with and when to call in the pros.

Drywood Termites (Cryptotermes spp.): The Stealthy Invaders

Unlike most termites, Drywood termites don’t need soil or moisture contact. They nest inside the dry wood they consume—making them especially dangerous for San Jose homes with hardwood flooring, exposed beams, or attic structures.

Scientific Insight: Drywood termites live in small colonies of a few thousand and are often spread through infested furniture, building materials, or even firewood. Their metabolic water production allows them to survive in dry conditions, unlike their subterranean cousins.

How to Identify Drywood Termites:

Frass (termite droppings): These dry, pellet-like droppings are often found beneath infested wood.
Kick-out holes: Small exit holes used to expel frass from the colony.
Sound check: Tap wood surfaces—if it sounds hollow, termites might be eating from the inside out.
No mud tubes: Drywood termites don’t build these like subterranean species.

These pests work slowly but silently—and can infest multiple parts of your home without ever touching the soil.

Subterranean Termite Soliders and Mud Tubes

Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes spp.): The Underground Destroyers

Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive termite species in California. Living in underground colonies that can number in the millions, they build mud tubes to access wood above ground and maintain humidity.

Scientific Insight: Reticulitermes termites rely on soil moisture and cellulose (found in wood) for survival. They are known to build elaborate tunnel systems to forage across large areas—sometimes more than 100 feet from the colony.

How to Identify Subterranean Termites:

Mud tubes: Pencil-width tunnels found along foundation walls, crawlspaces, or slabs.
Winged swarmers: Alates often emerge during spring after rain (common in San Jose’s early spring season).
Damaged wood: Wood may appear blistered or layered due to internal tunneling.
Visible termites: Cream-colored workers or dark-brown swarmers with long wings.

Because these termites often enter through tiny cracks in the foundation or plumbing, San Jose homes with older construction or crawlspaces are particularly vulnerable.

Why Identification Matters

Drywood and Subterranean termites require completely different treatment methods:

Type	Colony Location	Signs	Treatment
Drywood	Inside dry wood	Frass, hollow wood, no mud tubes	Fumigation or localized treatment
Subterranean	Soil/underground	Mud tubes, swarmers, structural damage	Soil treatment, bait systems, or trenching

That’s why an expert inspection is so important—misidentifying the species can lead to wasted time and money.

Protect Your San Jose Home with Good Sense Termite

If you're seeing signs of termites—or just want peace of mind—Good Sense Termite offers free termite inspections in San Jose and the greater Bay Area. Our licensed experts know exactly what to look for and how to handle both Drywood and Subterranean threats.