How do drywood termites obtain moisture?

Drywood termites primarily obtain moisture from humidity in the air. This is particularly significant because they do not need to maintain contact with the ground; unlike subterranean termites, which rely on soil moisture, drywood termites are adapted to live in dry wood and can thrive in environments with low moisture levels.

They are able to extract moisture from the air through their exoskeleton and through their metabolic processes. The ability to utilize atmospheric humidity is crucial for their survival, especially since they often infest hardened wood structures where moisture from other sources is scarce. Their adaptation to absorb moisture directly from the environment allows them to efficiently manage their hydration needs without needing direct access to soil or additional water sources.

This unique adaptation highlights why drywood termites can often be found in structures that are not in contact with the ground, allowing them to infest wooden materials without the same accessibility to moisture that other termite types require.