Detecting and identifying West Indian drywood termite

West Indian drywood termite (WIDT) is difficult to detect as it can establish colonies in concealed areas of houses and buildings.

WIDT does not need contact with soil moisture and can establish independent colonies within a structure. Colonies can be very small and hard to detect, as there may be no external signs of an infestation, other than faecal pellets (frass), which termites eject from their galleries. Frass is not always visible to the naked eye and can look similar to other debris, such as ant debris.

Signs of infestation

It can take around 5 years (or even longer) for WIDT to be detectable. The signs of infestation include:

  • frass (termite droppings) appearing near skirting boards, under windowsills and in the corners of rooms
  • termites and/or wings appearing in rooms in late spring or early summer as the temperature and humidity begin to rise.

Timber close to the frass pile will have a small ejection hole (1mm diameter), but this may be sealed and difficult to see. You may find evidence of damage if you gently probe the area with a small screwdriver or similar tool.

WIDT is commonly found in pine, especially native hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) and in cabinet timbers such as maples (Flindersia species), red cedar (Toona australis) and silky oak (Grevillea robusta).

Damage is generally restricted to softwood construction timber (timber-in-service), wooden furniture and other manufactured timber items.

WIDT is an introduced pest and only infests timber-in-service in Australia. It is not known to occur in the urban environment, such as in trees or other vegetation.

Identify West Indian drywood termite

Watch the video to find out:

  • what to look for
  • effective ways to inspect for drywood termites.

  • In this video, we highlight inspection techniques used to detect West Indian drywood termites. While subterranean termites need contact with the ground to maintain moisture in their nests and tunnels to survive, drywood termites get their moisture requirement straight from the wood itself, making them hard to detect.

    One way to detect WIDT is through their droppings called frass, which is often found on windowsills, on bedclothes and on the floor.

    Other identifiable features of WIDT include the shape of the soldier's head as shown on screen and their clean workings. Their tunnels and galleries are also clean with dry pellets of frass, unlike the muddy or caked appearance of subterranean termite galleries.

    When carrying out your inspection, you'll need a strong torch to detect the frass and a donger to detect potential termite activity. Frass can be light or dark in colour and is often the first visible sign of drywood termite activity.

    Another distinguishable feature of WIDT is the wings of the alate, which have a bluish-pink tinge to them. Because drywood termites can start a colony anywhere within a building, as they don't require ground contact and can enter through an open door or window, inspections need to be thorough and should always include the roof and void space.

    One of the most effective ways to detect WIDT is through thermal imaging with infrared cameras able to detect the heat signatures of drywood termites huddled together as they feed.

    Another tool used to detect WIDT is a moisture meter, which can identify areas where termite activity is more likely to occur. Always calibrate this device in a dry area prior to use, and always pick up and place the meter on a surface instead of dragging it.

    If you find or believe West Indian drywood termites are present, it must be reported as soon as possible to the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (now known as the Department of Primary Industries).

    For more information on WIDT, visit dpi.qld.gov.au and remember to follow these simple steps to stop WIDT from spreading.

View images and learn more in our quick reference guide to WIDT.

Detections of WIDT

Infestations have been detected across Queensland.

WIDT was first detected in Maryborough in 1966. It is now established in many suburbs in Greater Brisbane and other Queensland coastal towns and settlements.

All Queensland residents should be aware of the presence of WIDT.

Find out if WIDT has been found in your area

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This information is based on the known detections of WIDT (Cryptotermes brevis) reported and confirmed by the Department of Primary Industries (formerly the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) since 2011. This list may change, and the department will make regular updates to this information if new detections are reported.

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