When most people think of termites in Brisbane, they think of subterranean termites building mud tubes and attacking homes from the ground up. However, another type of termite can quietly damage timber for years without ever needing contact with the soil: drywood termites.
Recently, we inspected a timber pole in a Brisbane home that contained a significant amount of drywood termite activity. The first clue was the presence of hundreds of small pellets accumulating around the timber.
What Are Drywood Termite Pellets?
Drywood termites produce distinctive faecal pellets known as “frass.” These pellets are:
- Hard and dry
- Uniform in size
- Oval or barrel-shaped
- Marked with tiny longitudinal grooves
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not use their droppings to build mud galleries. Instead, they push pellets out through small kick-out holes, creating tell-tale piles around infested timber.
Native vs Introduced Drywood Termites
In South East Queensland, several drywood termite species may be encountered.
One of the most common native species is Cryptotermes primus, which is frequently found in dead standing timber, fence posts, poles, and outdoor timber structures.
An introduced species, Cryptotermes brevis (West Indian Drywood Termite), is also present in parts of Queensland and is more commonly associated with buildings, furniture, and structural timbers.
Why Drywood Termites Are Difficult to Detect
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites:
- Do not build mud leads
- Do not require ground contact
- Live entirely within the timber they consume
- Can remain hidden for years
Many infestations are only discovered after pellets begin appearing or when timber damage becomes obvious.
Should You Be Concerned?
Yes.
Although drywood termite colonies are generally smaller than subterranean termite colonies, they can still cause significant damage over time. Because they live entirely within timber, infestations often go unnoticed until extensive damage has occurred.
If you notice:
- Small piles of termite pellets
- Tiny kick-out holes in timber
- Hollow-sounding timber
- Unexplained timber damage
it is important to have the timber inspected by a qualified termite professional.
Need a Termite Inspection?
At Concept Termite and Pest Management, we specialise in termite inspections, termite management, and pest control solutions throughout Brisbane and surrounding areas.
If you’ve found termite pellets around your home, fence, timber pole, pergola, or outdoor structure, contact us for professional advice and inspection services.
📞 Call Us Now on 0404 060 755