“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 tenting, no hotel. 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 before choosing between spot injection and full-structure fumigation.
- Inspection determines whether spot treatment or fumigation is appropriate
- Direct wood injection for localized, accessible drywood colonies
- Full-structure tent fumigation for widespread or inaccessible infestations
- 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 either reaching the colony directly through wood injection or, when the infestation has spread through the structure, eliminating all colonies simultaneously through tent fumigation.
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
- Full-structure tent fumigation when widespread infestation requires complete coverage
- Honest method selection — fumigation only recommended when genuinely necessary
- 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 tenting or displacement.
Full-Structure Tent Fumigation
When drywood colonies are found in multiple inaccessible locations, tent fumigation penetrates all wood voids in the structure and eliminates every colony simultaneously.
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
Method Selection
Based on the number of infestation sites and their accessibility, we recommend spot injection (localized) or tent fumigation (widespread/inaccessible). Written quote provided.
- 3
Treatment Application
Spot injection delivers termiticide directly into infested wood. Fumigation seals the structure and penetrates all wood voids with a licensed fumigant for complete coverage.
- 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 was honest that fumigation was the right call given the spread. 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 tenting needed. That kind of honest assessment is rare.”
Case Study
Spot Treatment Saves a Meyerland Homeowner from Unnecessary Fumigation
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 quoted full fumigation 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 fumigation 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.
Do I need fumigation or can spot treatment work?
Spot treatment works well for localized, accessible infestations — one or two identified colonies in accessible wood members. Fumigation is appropriate when colonies are found in multiple locations, when infested wood is inside wall cavities or inaccessible framing, or when the extent of the infestation cannot be fully mapped. Inspection determines which is right for your situation.
How long does drywood termite treatment take?
Spot treatment for 1–3 locations is typically completed in 1–3 hours with no displacement required. Full-structure fumigation requires 24–48 hours away from the property. Both treatments are 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
Drywood Termite Control
Control strategies for drywood species in Houston homes.
Drywood Termite Fumigation
When full-structure fumigation is the right drywood treatment.
Drywood Spot Treatment
Targeted injection for localized drywood infestations.
Best Way to Treat Drywood Termites
Honest comparison of drywood treatment methods — which is right for you.
Termite Fumigation
Full overview of fumigation services for Houston homeowners.
Get a Drywood Termite Assessment for Your Houston Home
Inspection-first approach — we confirm the species and extent before recommending spot treatment or fumigation. Same-day inspections available across Greater Houston.