Why Summer Is Prime Season for Drywood Termites in the Bay Area
- Jameson Elam
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
About the Author: Jameson Elam is the owner and operator of Good Sense Termite, serving Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties. With over 14 years of hands-on experience in the termite control industry, Jameson specializes in thorough inspections, accurate diagnostics, and long-term solutions tailored to California homes. His deep knowledge of local termite behavior and building structures has made Good Sense Termite a trusted name for homeowners and real estate professionals alike.
If you've been following along with our termite content this spring, you already know that subterranean termites are most active following our wet Bay Area winters. But as we move into summer, a different species takes center stage: drywood termites.
Summer — particularly late June through September — is peak swarming season for drywood termites in the Bay Area. If you haven't thought about drywood termites yet this year, now is exactly the right time to start.
What Makes Drywood Termites Different
Unlike subterranean termites, which live in the soil and need moisture to survive, drywood termites live entirely inside the wood they infest. They don't need soil contact, they don't need a moisture source, and they can establish a colony in virtually any dry, unfinished wood on your property — attic framing, window and door frames, eaves, hardwood floors, and even wooden furniture.
This independence from soil and moisture makes them uniquely suited to the warm, dry conditions of a Bay Area summer. While subterranean termites slow down as the soil dries out, drywood termites thrive.
Why Summer Triggers Drywood Termite Swarms
Drywood termite colonies swarm when they reach maturity — typically after three to five years of growth. The swarm is the colony's way of reproducing and expanding: winged reproductives, called alates or swarmers, fly out in large numbers to find a mate and establish a new colony elsewhere.
In the Bay Area, this swarming activity is triggered by the warm, dry conditions of summer — typically beginning in late June and peaking through July, August, and September. Swarms usually happen during the warmest part of the day and are strongly attracted to light, which is why you'll often spot swarmers near windows, skylights, and light fixtures.
The swarm itself is brief — usually 30 minutes or less. But what it signals is significant: a mature colony has been living inside wood somewhere nearby, and it's now sending out the next generation to find new homes. Potentially yours.
How Drywood Termites Get Into Your Home
Drywood termite swarmers are opportunistic. They're looking for any exposed, unfinished, or accessible wood to squeeze into and start a new colony. Common entry points in Bay Area homes include:
Attic vents. Damaged or missing screens on attic vents are one of the most common entry points. During swarming season, swarmers actively seek out gaps and openings in the upper portions of a structure.
Gaps around window and door frames. Any small gap between a frame and the surrounding structure is a potential entry point. Paint that has cracked or peeled away from wood trim is a particular vulnerability.
Exposed wood on the exterior. Unfinished or unpainted wood on eaves, fascia boards, deck framing, and fence posts gives swarmers easy access to start a new colony without even entering the home.
Roof intersections and joints. Areas where different roof sections meet, or where the roof meets exterior walls, can have small gaps that swarmers exploit.
Signs of Drywood Termite Activity to Watch for This Summer
The earlier you catch drywood termite activity, the more treatment options you have — and the lower the cost. Here's what to look for:
Swarmers or discarded wings. Finding winged insects — or small piles of discarded wings — near windows, skylights, or light fixtures is one of the clearest early signs of drywood termite activity nearby. Swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants — the key difference is that termites have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and no pinched waist.
Frass. Drywood termites push their droppings — called frass — out of small kick-out holes in infested wood. Frass looks like tiny pellets, similar to sand or coarse salt and pepper, and often accumulates in small piles beneath infested wood. Finding frass is a strong indicator of active drywood termite activity.
Hollow-sounding wood. Drywood termites hollow out wood from the inside while leaving a thin outer shell intact. Tapping infested wood produces a hollow sound — and pressing on it may cause it to collapse inward.
Small holes in wood surfaces. The kick-out holes drywood termites use to expel frass are typically very small — about the diameter of a pencil lead. Finding small, clean holes in wood surfaces, particularly with frass nearby, warrants a closer look.
What to Do If You Spot Summer Swarmers
Don't panic — but don't ignore it either. Swarmers themselves don't damage wood, but the colony they came from does. Take it seriously.
Take a photo or collect a sample. This helps a termite inspector confirm the species and rule out flying ants.
Note where you saw them. Inside or outside? Which area of the home? Near any specific wood surfaces?
Call for an inspection promptly. Summer is our busiest season — the sooner you schedule, the sooner you'll have answers and options.
Protecting Your Home Before Swarming Season Peaks
The best time to act is before you see swarmers — not after. A few preventative steps that make a real difference:
Check and repair attic vent screens before swarming season peaks in July and August
Paint or seal any exposed, unfinished wood on the exterior of your home
Caulk gaps around window and door frames to eliminate potential entry points
Schedule a professional inspection to assess current conditions and catch any early-stage activity before it spreads
The Bottom Line
Summer is the season drywood termites have been waiting for all year. The warm, dry conditions of Bay Area summers are ideal for swarming activity, and late June through September is when your home is most vulnerable to new infestations establishing. Taking preventative steps now — and scheduling an inspection if you haven't had one recently — is the smartest move you can make heading into peak season.
Call or text Good Sense Termite at (408) 418-9152 or request your free inspection online. We'll assess your home for current activity and any vulnerabilities before swarming season hits full stride.
It's just good sense.
Frequently Asked Questions: Drywood Termites in Bay Area Summers
When is drywood termite swarming season in the Bay Area?
Drywood termites in the Bay Area typically swarm from late June through September, with peak activity in July and August. Swarming is triggered by warm, dry conditions and usually occurs during the warmest part of the day. This is distinct from subterranean termites, which swarm in spring following wet weather.
How do I know if I have drywood termites or flying ants?
The easiest way to tell them apart: termites have straight antennae, two pairs of equal-length wings, and a straight body with no visible waist. Flying ants have elbowed antennae, wings of unequal length, and a distinctly pinched waist. If you're not sure, take a photo and send it to a termite professional for identification.
Can drywood termites infest furniture?
Yes. Drywood termites can infest any dry wood — including wooden furniture, picture frames, and antiques — not just structural wood. They are particularly common in attic framing and window frames but can establish colonies in virtually any accessible dry wood.
Do drywood termites cause more damage than subterranean termites? Subterranean termites are generally considered more destructive due to their much larger colony sizes and faster feeding rates. However, drywood termite infestations left untreated for years can cause significant structural damage — particularly in attic framing and wall structures. Both species require prompt attention when found.
Can I prevent drywood termites from entering my home?
You can significantly reduce your risk by repairing damaged attic vent screens, sealing gaps around window and door frames, painting or sealing exposed exterior wood, and scheduling annual inspections. No home can be made completely termite-proof, but eliminating easy entry points makes a meaningful difference.
What is the treatment for drywood termites?
Treatment depends on the extent of the infestation. Localized infestations in accessible areas can often be addressed with spot treatment — drilling and injecting termiticide directly into infested wood. Widespread infestations throughout a structure typically require whole-structure fumigation (tenting). A professional inspection determines which approach is appropriate.
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