Subterranean termites (including the invasive Formosan) live in soil and reach wood through mud tubes; drywood termites live entirely inside dry wood — no soil contact needed. The evidence looks different, and a treatment that stops one does nothing for the other.
What are the two termite families an East Texas homeowner meets?
Almost every termite call in East Texas is one of two groups. Subterranean termites — including our native eastern subterranean and the invasive Formosan subterranean — nest in soil and travel up into your home through mud tubes. Drywood termites live entirely inside pieces of dry wood — attic framing, trim, hardwood floors, wooden furniture — with no soil contact required. Different biology, different signs, different treatments.
How does the evidence differ?
- Subterranean termites leave mud tubes on foundations and crawl-space piers, discarded wings after spring swarms, and blistering or hollow-sounding wood at or below wall-plate height. The classic pattern: damage starts low.
- Drywood termites leave frass — small piles of wood-colored pellets shaped like grains — beneath tiny pinholes in painted trim, attic rafters, or hardwood surfaces. The classic pattern: damage starts anywhere they can fly to (attics are prime).
When does the difference change what you buy?
Every time. A termite bond written for subterranean species does nothing for a drywood infestation in your attic — and vice versa. Whole-structure drywood treatment (fumigation or localized heat/wood treatment) is a different job with a different price than a subterranean soil-and-bait treatment. When you request a termite bond or warranty, ask specifically which species are covered and what the exclusions say.
What are the failure modes?
- Assuming any termite bond covers everything. Read the species list; many are subterranean-only.
- Mistaking frass for sawdust. Sawdust is irregular. Termite frass is uniform, granular, and comes out of tiny holes.
- Treating drywood termites with soil treatment. Soil isn't where they live; nothing changes.
- Skipping the attic on an inspection. Drywood termites hit attic framing first in many East Texas homes — that's where the inspection has to go.
How does Spot On handle both?
Our termite treatment program starts with a full-structure inspection covering foundation and slab (for subterranean), attics and eaves (for drywood), and every accessible connection between the two. Treatment is species-matched: soil-and-monitoring for subterraneans, wood-and-void treatment or referral to whole-structure fumigation for drywood as the finding calls for. The written warranty specifies coverage in plain English so nothing is a surprise later.
What should you do next?
Seeing evidence and not sure which family it belongs to? Request a free inspection — species ID is our first move. If you're buying a home, add our WDI inspection guide to the reading list before closing.
Quick questions
Are drywood termites less serious than subterranean termites?
No — just different. Drywood colonies are smaller and slower than Formosan subterranean colonies, but they hit high-value structural wood (roof framing, trim, hardwood floors) directly, and East Texas homes with attic-heavy drywood infestations sometimes need whole-structure treatment. Severity depends on where they are, not just what they are.
Can a home have both subterranean and drywood termites at once?
Yes. It's uncommon but possible, especially in older East Texas homes with unaddressed subterranean history and untreated attic framing. A thorough inspection covers both possibilities rather than stopping at the first find.
Which is more common in East Texas?
Subterranean termites (both native and Formosan) are the more frequent finding overall — but drywood termites are absolutely present in Angelina, Nacogdoches and Polk counties, especially in attic and eave framing. An inspection tells you what your home actually has.
Reviewed by the Spot On Pest Control team
Written and reviewed by the licensed, TDA-regulated technicians who treat homes across Lufkin, Nacogdoches and Deep East Texas every day — applied responsibly, and backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.
