top of page
Wilton Simpson Commissioner
Termites associated with structures in Florida
Forest drywood termite
(Cryptotermes cavifrons)
Identifying features
Resembles the West Indian drywood but smaller
Does not infest structures but flies from infested branches into open windows or doors
Swarmer clear iridescent wings, head body brown
Soldier head is smooth while WIDT is rough
Swarms in early spring during the evening
Forest drywood swarmers emerging from kick out hole in dead ficus trunk in Ft. Lauderdale yard.
Credit: Thomas Chouvenc
Infestation exposed in dead tree branch
Soldier with smooth top of head vs. WIDT rough head
bottom of page