Termite types in Hawaii

For a homeowner, the useful distinction is simple: drywood termites live in the wood; subterranean termites come from the soil. That difference changes what an inspection should look for and which treatment conversation belongs to your property.

Drywood pattern

Lives directly inside the wood it is feeding on.
Pellet-like frass may collect below small kick-out holes.
Activity may be isolated in one area or hidden across several parts of a structure.
Inspection needs to determine how far the activity appears to extend.

Subterranean pattern

Lives in the soil and moves into the structure through protected routes.
Mud tubes are a common warning sign.
Moisture, irrigation, soil contact, and foundation entry points matter.
Inspection needs to trace the route between the ground and the structure.

Choose the page that matches what you are seeing

You do not need to identify the exact species. Pick the closest pattern and let the inspection confirm it.

Pellets, wings, or suspicious woodStart with the drywood decision page: localized problem or something more widespread? Mud tubes or activity near soilUse the ground-termite page: entry route, moisture, soil, and treatment path. Someone mentioned tentingUnderstand when whole-structure fumigation may come up — and when it does not fit.

What about Formosan termites?

Formosan termites are a subterranean termite. For a homeowner, that means the practical starting point is still the ground-termite lane: soil connection, entry routes, moisture, and inspection.

Why getting the lane right matters

A drywood problem in structural wood and a subterranean colony coming from soil are not the same treatment problem. The inspection keeps you from choosing a solution before the cause is clear.

Still not sure which pattern fits?

That is exactly what the inspection is for. Call to be connected with an independent local provider serving Oahu.

Call (323) 471-6275