1. Drywood Termites – The Silent Occupants

Drywood termites are unique because they can live entirely inside wood without needing soil or external moisture. You’ll often find them in attics, wooden furniture, or door frames. They build small colonies and slowly hollow out the wood from within.

“Drywood termites live their entire lives inside wood—no soil, no moisture, no warning.”

Drywood Termites – Identification

They can survive on minimal moisture, which makes them especially dangerous in areas that aren’t regularly inspected. Since they remain hidden, infestations often go unnoticed until visible damage appears.

“Those tiny piles of pellets aren’t dust—they’re a drywood termite’s calling card.”

Drywood Termites – Signs

Watch for small piles of pellet-like droppings (known as frass) near wooden surfaces. Hollow sounds when tapping wood or sagging furniture can also indicate a problem.

2. Subterranean Termites – The Hidden Builders

Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive type of termite in Hawaii. They live underground, creating mud tubes to travel safely between soil and wood. Their large colonies and constant feeding can cause major structural damage if not treated early.

“Subterranean termites build mud-tube highways from the soil to your home—protected, organized, and unstoppable unless detected early.”

Subterranean Termites – Behavior

These termites prefer damp areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and foundations. Their mud tubes—thin, brown tunnels running up walls or concrete—are one of the clearest signs of activity.

“Most termite damage in Hawaii comes from subterranean colonies—massive, hungry, and driven by moisture.”

Subterranean Termites – Scale

Subterranean termites eat the softer parts of wood, leaving behind a honeycomb-like pattern that weakens the structure over time. If you see mud tubes or swarmers (winged termites) inside your home, call our team immediately for a professional inspection.

3. Formosan Termites – The “Super Termites”

Formosan termites are the most aggressive and destructive termite species found in Hawaii. Originally from Asia, these “super termites” can establish massive colonies that include millions of members. Unlike most subterranean termites, they can also build nests above ground inside walls and ceilings.

“Formosan termites don’t just invade—they establish fortresses inside your walls.”

Formosan Termites – Overview

Because they can create moisture-holding nests, Formosan termites don’t rely on soil contact to survive. They can chew through wood, flooring, and even some soft metals like copper and aluminum.

“These aggressive termites can build nests both below and above ground, making complete elimination a challenge without professional help.”

Formosan Termites – Control

Treatment usually involves soil applications, baiting systems, and sometimes fumigation. The key is fast detection—Formosan termites can cause significant structural damage within months.

4. Comparing Hawaii’s Termite Types

“Drywood termites hide inside wood. Subterranean and Formosan termites attack from the ground up. Each demands a different defense.”

Termite Types – Quick Comparison

Here’s a simple breakdown for homeowners:

• Drywood termites – Live completely inside wood; create small, hidden colonies; leave pellet-like frass.
• Subterranean termites – Depend on soil and moisture; build visible mud tubes; largest source of termite damage in Hawaii.
• Formosan termites – Aggressive “super termites” that build huge colonies above and below ground.

“The best protection is awareness. Know their signs, watch your foundations, and act before they do.”

Home Protection – Pro Tip

Protecting Your Home with TermiteTreatmentOahu.com

Every home in Hawaii is at risk for termites, but awareness and proactive inspection make all the difference. At TermiteTreatmentOahu.com, we help O‘ahu homeowners identify early warning signs and protect their investment with targeted solutions.

If you’ve noticed droppings, mud tubes, or damaged wood, it’s time to take action.