The pellets are pushed from the galleries and found on surfaces beneath the infested wood. Infestations are most common in the attic or in window frames and sills. A sign of advanced infestation is surface blisters. These termites sometimes tunnel close to the surface giving the wood a blistered appearance. Infestations may be detected by tapping the wood every few inches with the handle of a screwdriver.
Damaged wood sounds hollow - a papery rustle sound indicates tunnels just beneath the surface.
Preventive Measures Used lumber, furniture and other wooden articles especially from coastal areas in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas should be carefully inspected for termite infestations. Drywood termites are also present in New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Drywood termites may enter a building through the attic or foundation vents, under or directly through shingles or under eaves. All windows, doors and vents, especially those in the attic, should be screened with 20 mesh screen. Paint will give exposed wood protection against termite entry.