Dampwood Termites: Facts, Identification and Control

Need to get rid of termites? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

What Are Dampwood Termites?

Dampwood termites, as their name suggests, are associated with high moisture content and wood decay, which makes them common across the country. Sometimes known as rottenwood termites, dampwood termites are found in the wet areas of the West coast of North America like California, Washington, Idaho, Western Nevada and British Columbia. Outside of the Pacific coast, dampwood termites can also be found in Florida.

What Do Dampwood Termites Look Like?

Dampwood termites are much larger than either the drywood or subterranean termites. The largest termite in North America, these termites measure about 3/8 of an inch to 3/4 of an inch long. Dampwood termites are typically brown to dark brown in color, but can be something of a reddish hue or even light-colored, especially around their abdomens. All dampwood termite nymphs are cream-colored. 

Where Do Dampwood Termites Live?

Dampwood termites need high moisture content wood to live. For this reason, dampwood termites are only found in coniferous forests. Here they will nest in wood, such as tree stumps or fallen branches, that are typically partially buried in the soil. Individuals within dampwood termite colonies will spend their entire lives within this same piece of decaying wood. 

As the wood is their food source, they never even leave to forage for food. The only members of the colony who leave the colony are the winged females who will leave their wood home on a mating flight to maintain her colony and become queen. 

Signs Of A Dampwood Termite Infestation

Unlike their subterranean counterparts, dampwood termites do not make tunnels in wood. Instead, wood that dampwood termites have infested usually looks clean and smooth inside. 

Occasionally, dampwood termites will use their own fecal pellets to seal the areas where they live from the outside. You may find evidence of these pellets at the bottom of their living area or even on the sides. 

Call Pest Control Experts

If you are concerned that you may have dampwood termites, it’s always best to call a knowledgable pest care professional. Termiticide treatment can sometimes be necessary which require special tools and chemicals. 

Don’t try to control termites on your own. Call a pest control specialist who can inspect your home and surroundings for termites. Call Pest Control Experts to take care of your termite problem today.