“Found frass under a window frame in our 1950s home. Other companies immediately quoted fumigation. David inspected, confirmed one localized colony, and spot-treated in two hours. No frass since.”
Houston Drywood Termite Specialists
Drywood Termite Control 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 control requires confirming both species and infestation extent before selecting between spot injection and tent fumigation.
- Thorough inspection maps all active colonies before any treatment is selected
- Spot injection for accessible, localized colonies — no displacement required
- Tent fumigation for widespread or inaccessible infestations
- Written warranty on all drywood termite control services
What Drywood Termite Control Requires That Standard Pest Control Does Not
Drywood termites are structurally distinct — effective control requires species-specific methods and honest method selection.
- Drywood termites live entirely within wood — no soil contact and no mud tubes to trace back to the colony
- Frass identification confirms drywood species before any treatment method is recommended
- Spot injection eliminates accessible colonies without full-structure treatment or any displacement
- Tent fumigation used only when colonies are confirmed in inaccessible structural locations
- Written warranty on all treatments — re-treatment at no charge if activity returns
- Post-treatment follow-up confirms frass production has stopped after treatment
Houston Homeowners on Drywood Termite Control
Right Method Chosen No Overtreatment 5-Star Rated
“Older home with frass appearing in multiple rooms. Resolve did a proper inspection and found colonies in four locations including two inaccessible ones. Fumigation was the right call and the process was handled professionally.”
“Drywood termites in an antique dresser brought into the house. David confirmed the rest of the home was clean and treated the piece directly. No unnecessary fumigation recommended.”
Drywood Termite Control Services
Inspection-based approach to every drywood control situation in Houston.
Drywood Termite Inspection
Full structural inspection including attic, framing, trim, and voids. Frass deposits are mapped and suspect wood probed to locate every active colony.
Spot Treatment by Injection
Licensed termiticide is injected directly into accessible infested wood — window frames, door frames, exposed rafters, or furniture. No displacement required.
Full-Structure Tent Fumigation
For infestations spread to multiple inaccessible locations, tent fumigation reaches every void and wood member simultaneously — eliminating all colonies in one treatment.
Furniture and Portable Item Treatment
Drywood termites in antiques, furniture, doors, and decorative wood items can be treated directly without treating the structure.
Attic and Framing Inspection
Attic rafters, collar ties, and roof framing are checked for drywood activity — a frequently missed location in standard pest control inspections.
Annual Monitoring
Annual inspection catches new drywood introductions from infested furniture or flying swarmers before a new colony establishes in inaccessible structural framing.
How Drywood Termite Control Works
Identification and full extent mapping before any treatment method is selected.
- 1
Frass Mapping and Inspection
We locate all frass deposits, probe suspect wood for hollow sounds, and check attic, trim, and all voids to establish a complete infestation map.
- 2
Method Selection
Spot injection is recommended for accessible colonies. Fumigation is recommended when colonies are in multiple inaccessible locations. Written quote provided for the appropriate method.
- 3
Treatment Application
Spot injection delivers termiticide directly into infested wood in a single visit. Fumigation seals the structure and penetrates all wood voids for complete coverage.
- 4
Post-Treatment Confirmation
Follow-up inspection confirms frass production has stopped. Written warranty covers re-treatment if drywood activity returns during the warranty period.
Drywood Control: Spot Injection vs Tent Fumigation
Both eliminate drywood colonies — the right method depends on colony location and accessibility.
| Feature | Spot Injection | Tent Fumigation |
|---|---|---|
| Appropriate for accessible, localized colonies | ✓ | Overkill |
| Reaches inaccessible wall cavities and framing | ✗ | ✓ |
| No displacement required | ✓ | ✗ |
| Completed in a single visit (1-3 hours) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Eliminates all colonies simultaneously | Accessible only | ✓ |
| Written warranty included | ✓ | ✓ |
| Inspection determines appropriate method | ✓ | ✓ |
Case Study
Spot Treatment Resolves a Localized Drywood Infestation in a West University Home
The Problem
A West University homeowner found frass under two window frames in a 1950s bungalow. Two other pest control companies had quoted full-structure fumigation based solely on the home's age and the presence of two active locations, without performing a thorough structural inspection.
Our Solution
Resolve conducted a complete structural inspection including the full attic, closets, and all wood trim. Both active colonies were confirmed in accessible window frame wood — no activity in inaccessible framing or wall cavities. Spot treatment was performed at both locations in a single two-hour visit.
The Outcome
Frass production stopped within three weeks. The 6-month inspection found no new activity anywhere in the structure. The homeowner avoided three nights of displacement and the cost differential between spot treatment and fumigation.
Drywood Termite Control FAQs
How do I know if I have drywood or subterranean termites?
Drywood termites leave small hexagonal frass pellets that fall from infested wood — no mud tubes and no soil contact required. Subterranean termites build mud tubes and must maintain soil connection. Both species are active in Houston; the treatment approach is completely different.
Do I need fumigation for drywood termites?
Not necessarily. Fumigation is required when colonies are in multiple inaccessible locations. For localized, accessible infestations, spot treatment by wood injection is equally effective and significantly less disruptive. Inspection determines which method is appropriate.
How does drywood termite spot treatment work?
Small holes are drilled into identified infested wood members and licensed termiticide is injected to reach the colony inside. The holes are sealed after treatment. No residue remains on surrounding surfaces.
How long does drywood treatment take?
Spot treatment for one to three locations is typically completed in 1-3 hours with no displacement. Full-structure fumigation requires 24-48 hours of displacement and full preparation.
Can drywood termites come back after treatment?
Treated colonies are eliminated. New infestations can be introduced through infested furniture or flying swarmers. Annual inspection catches new introductions before a colony establishes in inaccessible framing.
Related Drywood Termite Resources
Drywood Termite Fumigation
When full-structure fumigation is the right drywood treatment.
Drywood Spot Treatment
Direct injection for localized drywood infestations.
Best Way to Treat Drywood Termites
Honest comparison of all drywood treatment methods.
Drywood Termite Treatment
Full overview of drywood treatment options for Houston homes.
Termite Fumigation
Full overview of fumigation services for Houston homeowners.
Get a Drywood Termite Control Assessment for Your Houston Home
Inspection-first approach — we confirm the extent before recommending spot treatment or fumigation. Same-day inspections available across Greater Houston.