Drywood vs. Subterranean: Which Termite Is Eating Your Los Angeles-Area Home?

By the Clark Pest Control Entomology Team

In Los Angeles–area homes, both drywood termites and subterranean termites are common threats but they behave very differently and require different treatment approaches. Identifying which termite is present is critical to stopping damage early and protecting your home.

Southern California’s mild climate, minimal winter freezes, and dense housing create ideal conditions for termite activity year-round. Here’s how to tell the difference and what homeowners across the Los Angeles area should do next.

Why Los Angeles–Area Homes Are at Risk Year-Round

Unlike colder parts of the country, termites in the Los Angeles region don’t go dormant in winter. Drywood termites remain active inside structural wood, while subterranean termites continue feeding underground, especially following rainfall or irrigation.

Common home features throughout the Los Angeles area - stucco exteriors, wood trim, attics, slab foundations, and older construction - can all increase vulnerability to termite infestations.

Drywood Termites

• Live entirely inside wood - no soil contact required
• Commonly found in attics, eaves, rooflines, fascia boards, and door or window frames
• Colonies are smaller (often under 1,000 termites), but damage develops quietly over time
• Remain active all year, including winter
  
  Signs may include:

• Discarded wings from swarmers
• Small piles of pellet-shaped frass (termite droppings)
• Hollow-sounding wood or bubbling paint

Drywood termites are especially prevalent throughout coastal and inland Southern California, including the greater Los Angeles area.

Subterranean Termites

• Nest in soil and enter homes through foundations
• Depend on moisture to survive
• The most destructive termite species found in California
• Swarm most often during late winter and spring, frequently after rain

Common attractants around Los Angeles–area homes include:

• Wood-to-soil contact near foundations
• Excess moisture from irrigation, drainage issues, or plumbing leaks
• Cracks in slabs, foundations, or stucco
• Firewood stacked near the home
• Mulch placed directly against foundations

A mature subterranean termite colony can consume wood continuously, causing significant structural damage if left undetected.

Why a Professional Termite Inspection Matters

Both drywood and subterranean termites can remain hidden for years before visible damage appears. By then, repairs can be extensive and termite damage is often not covered by homeowners insurance.

A professional termite inspection from Clark Pest Control includes:

• A thorough interior and exterior evaluation
• Identification of the termite species present
• Detection of subtle warning signs such as frass, kick-out holes, mud tubes, and damage patterns
• Identification of conditions that increase future termite risk

Early detection allows for more targeted treatment and helps prevent costly repairs.

How Los Angeles–Area Homeowners Can Reduce Termite Risk

While no home is completely termite-proof, these steps can help reduce risk:

• Seal cracks in foundations and around doors and windows
• Maintain an 18-inch clearance between soil and wood siding
• Eliminate excess moisture by fixing leaks and adjusting irrigation
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the home and off the ground
• Remove old tree stumps, roots, and wood debris
• Limit mulch near foundations and keep it several inches away

Ongoing Protection with Clark Pest Control

The first step in protecting your home is a free termite inspection by a licensed Clark Pest Control professional.

For long-term peace of mind, homeowners can also ask about Clark Pest Control’s Termite Infestation Program (T.I.P.), which helps protect qualifying homes from:

• Future termite infestations
• Unexpected treatment costs
• Costly repair surprises

For a small monthly fee, homeowners can avoid large out-of-pocket expenses while staying protected from all species of termites.

Clark’s Expert Insight

Clark’s Tip: “In Los Angeles–area homes, termites don’t slowdown in winter. Drywood termites stay active inside attics and framing, while subterranean termites continue feeding below ground where moisture is present. A professional inspection is the best way to catch hidden activity before damage spreads.”

FAQs: Termites in the Los Angeles Area

Are drywood termites active in winter?
Yes. Drywood termites remain active year-round and continue feeding inside wood even during cooler months.

Which termite causes more damage?
Subterranean termites are generally more destructive due to their larger colony sizes, but drywood termites can still cause serious long-term damage if untreated.

How often should homes be inspected?
Annual termite inspections are recommended for Los Angeles–area homes due to constant termite pressure throughout Southern California.

Take the First Step Toward Termite Protection in Los Angeles

If you’re unsure which termite is threatening your home or want peace of mind now is the right time to act. Clark Pest Control has decades of experience protecting Southern California homes from termite damage.

Schedule a free termite inspection today and protect your home before hidden damage grows.

Call 833/580-1126 or visit [Link to Anaheim branch page]
https://www.clarkpest.com/locations/anaheim-ca