Drywood Termites unlike subterranean termites, live in non-decayed wood having, require little moisture and they never need any contact with the soil. In some regions, eg. California or around the Caribbean, they are the most important termite pests.

In California, the most important species of drywood termites is the Western Drywood Termite, Incisitermes minor (Kalotermitidae). It is found under natural conditions as far north as Mendocino County and the Sacramento Valley. It is abundant in coastal regions, and extends eastward into Arizona in peripheral desert regions, in mountain canyons, and along stream beds. Colonies of this species have been transported to, and at least temporarily established in, various parts of the United States. Drywood termites are very amenable to accidental distribution because they may infest commonly transported articles, such as boxes, crates, and furniture, can tolerate low moisture conditions for long periods, and the colony is often small, infesting only a small volume of wood, and can therefore be readily transported for long distances.

In southern California, homes in new residential tracts tend to become infested by drywood termites sooner and in greater numbers than by subterranean termites. Most often, drywood termites infest these homes as alates originating in older buildings in near-by areas. However, infested telephone poles, posts, and piles of lumber or firewood can also be sources of further infestation.