“Found frass under a window frame in our 1930s bungalow. I was prepared for the worst, but David inspected and confirmed it was one localized colony. Spot treatment — no hotel needed. Problem solved in two hours.”
Houston Drywood Termite Specialists
Drywood Termite Treatment in Houston, TX
Drywood termites live entirely within the wood they consume — no soil contact, no mud tubes, and smaller colonies that are harder to detect. Effective treatment requires confirming the infestation extent, then treating every active colony directly at the source.
- Thorough inspection maps every active colony before treatment begins
- Direct wood injection for localized, accessible drywood colonies
- Written warranty on all drywood termite treatment services
What Makes Drywood Termite Treatment Different in Houston
Drywood termites are structurally distinct from the subterranean and Formosan species that dominate most Houston termite conversations. They require no soil contact, establish colonies entirely within wood, and are detected primarily by the presence of frass — small, hexagonal pellet-shaped fecal material that accumulates below infested wood. There are no mud tubes, no soil entry points, and no foraging trails to follow.
This makes drywood infestations both harder to detect and more difficult to treat using standard liquid barrier or bait station methods, which are designed for soil-based colonies. Treatment of drywood termites focuses on reaching each colony directly through wood injection, delivering termiticide precisely where the colony lives inside the wood.
The first and most important step is confirming both the species and the extent of the infestation. A localized drywood colony in a single accessible window frame or piece of furniture is a very different treatment problem than one that has spread to multiple wall cavities and attic framing. Resolve begins every drywood inquiry with a thorough structural inspection — and recommends the least disruptive method that genuinely resolves the problem.
Why Houston Homeowners Choose Resolve for Drywood Termite Treatment
Species-specific expertise, honest assessment, and the right treatment for your specific situation.
- Thorough inspection confirms species and infestation extent before any recommendation
- Spot injection for localized colonies — no displacement or hotel nights required
- Written warranty on all treatments — re-treatment at no charge if activity returns
- Post-treatment monitoring to confirm elimination and catch new introductions early
Drywood Termite Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on where the colonies are, how accessible they are, and how many locations are involved.
Drywood Termite Inspection
Thorough inspection of all accessible wood, voids, attic, and trim to map active colonies, locate frass deposits, and assess whether the infestation is localized or widespread.
Spot Treatment by Injection
For accessible infested wood — window frames, door frames, trim, and exposed framing — direct termiticide injection delivers product to the colony without displacement.
Furniture and Portable Item Treatment
Drywood termites can infest furniture, doors, and decorative wood items. Spot treatment of portable items addresses the colony before it spreads to structural wood.
Attic and Framing Inspection
Attic rafters, collar ties, and roof framing are common locations for drywood activity. Full attic access inspection maps colonies in often-overlooked structural members.
Annual Monitoring
Annual inspection catches new drywood introductions — via infested furniture, lumber, or direct entry — before a new colony establishes in inaccessible framing.
How Drywood Termite Treatment Works
Accurate identification and extent mapping are the foundation of effective drywood treatment.
- 1
Inspection and Frass Mapping
We locate all frass deposits, probe suspect wood for hollow sounds and structural damage, and check attic, trim, and voids to establish the full infestation map.
- 2
Treatment Planning
Based on the number of infestation sites and their accessibility, we confirm spot injection is appropriate and provide a written quote.
- 3
Treatment Application
Spot injection delivers termiticide directly into infested wood, reaching the colony at its source.
- 4
Confirmation and Warranty
Follow-up inspection confirms frass production has stopped and activity has ceased. Written warranty covers re-treatment if drywood activity returns.
Houston Homeowners on Drywood Termite Treatment
Accurate Diagnosis Right-Sized Treatment 5-Star Rated
“Older home with frass in multiple locations — closet, window frames, and attic rafters. Resolve treated every colony directly with spot injection in a single visit. The process was explained clearly and the warranty gave us confidence.”
“Drywood termites in an antique dresser that came with the house. David treated the piece directly and confirmed the rest of the home was clean. No structural treatment needed. That kind of honest assessment is rare.”
Case Study
Spot Treatment Resolves a Meyerland Homeowner's Two-Location Infestation
The Problem
A Meyerland homeowner found frass in two locations — a bedroom window frame and a section of attic trim visible from a pull-down access. Another company had recommended a far more invasive treatment based on both locations being active.
Our Solution
Resolve conducted a complete attic and interior inspection and found both colonies were accessible — one through direct window frame injection and the other through a short section of attic trim that could be treated without full structural penetration. Spot treatment was performed at both locations in a single visit.
The Outcome
Frass production stopped within three weeks. The 6-month follow-up found no new activity. The homeowner avoided three nights of hotel displacement and a significantly higher treatment cost.
Drywood Termite Treatment FAQs
How are drywood termites different from subterranean termites?
Drywood termites live entirely within wood — they require no soil contact and leave no mud tubes. They are detected by small hexagonal frass pellets that fall below infested wood. Because they don't forage through soil, standard liquid barriers and bait stations are not effective against them — treatment must reach the colony within the wood directly.
What are the signs of drywood termites?
The most reliable sign is frass — small, hard, hexagonal pellets typically found in small piles below infested wood, on window sills, or in drawers near infested frames. You may also notice hollow-sounding wood when tapped, small round exit holes in wood surfaces, or swarmers (winged reproductive termites) in spring and fall.
How long does drywood termite treatment take?
Spot treatment for 1–3 locations is typically completed in 1–3 hours with no displacement required, and is completed in a single scheduled visit.
Can drywood termites come back after treatment?
Treated colonies are eliminated. New infestations can be introduced through infested lumber, furniture, or flying swarmers. Annual inspections catch new introductions before a new colony establishes — particularly important for older Houston homes that frequently receive vintage furniture or older lumber additions.
Related Drywood Termite Resources
Get a Drywood Termite Assessment for Your Houston Home
Inspection-first approach — we confirm the species and extent before treating every active colony with spot injection. Same-day inspections available across Greater Houston.