The fastest useful split
Drywood termites push pellets from wood; subterranean termites preserve humidity with soil-connected shelter tubes.
Do not rely on a single color match. Start with scale and physical form, then check where the sign accumulates and whether a companion clue supports one candidate over the other.
| Feature | Drywood termite | Subterranean termite |
|---|---|---|
| Primary sign | Dry pellets | Mud shelter tube |
| Moisture | Can occur in dry wood | Soil/moisture connection |
| Waste | Visible pellet piles | Waste kept in galleries |
| Route | Within isolated wood | Foundation to structure |
Find a soil connection or recurring pellet kick-out point.
Do not break active tubes before inspection.
Open safety guidanceCheck each full evidence profile
Drywood termite
Kalotermitidae
Uniform hard pellets in small piles directly below tiny wood openings, often recurring after cleanup.
Subterranean termite
Rhinotermitidae
Mud shelter tubes, soft or hollow wood and equal-length swarmer wings near soil-connected routes.
Why a visual match can fail
Scale can be distorted by a close-up photograph, loose material may be moved by cleaning or airflow, and old evidence can change color or texture. A reliable conclusion uses multiple observations that point in the same direction and preserves contradictory details instead of forcing a match.