There are three primary classifications of termites in America, namely: drywood termites, subterranean termites, and dampwood termites. Among these three classifications of termites, dampwood termites are the largest termite species in America. Kings and queens typically measure one-half to five-eight of an inch long. Nymphs and worker dampwood termites measure five eight to an inch in length. The soldier caste has termites measuring between three-fourths of an inch to an inch in length.
Dampwood termites are typically brown. However, their color can range from dark brown to light. Nymphs generally are cream in color.
Unlike drywood termites, dampwood termites depend on regular contact with water and high humidity to survive.
Dampwood termites don’t create mud tubes, unlike subterranean termites. Instead, they live entirely within the damp wood they eat. Dampwood termite infestations are difficult to detect because they plug holes in the wood with fecal pellets to preserve humidity.
Where are Dampwood Termites Found and other Dampwood Termite Facts?
As their name implies, dampwood termites thrive in damp and decaying timber, such as logs, dead trees, fence posts, untreated utility poles, and tree stumps. The most damaging species, such as the Pacific Dampwood Termite, are typically found in California, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Washington, and Oregon wetter areas. Less-damaging species of dampwood termites, such as the desert dampwood termite and Florida dampwood termite, can also be found in Arizona and Florida.
Dampwood termites can attack structures with high moisture levels, such as a plumbing leak. They will also thrive in areas with ventilation deficiencies or drainage problems. These humidity-loving insects will also be attracted to old gutters that are filled with leaves. Any portion of your home with moist wood and wood decay can also attract dampwood termites.
Dampwood termite colonies have few members, unlike subterranean termite colonies. Instead of having dedicated worker termites, nymphs play the role of workers, where they also care for the kings and queens of the colony and feed soldier termites. These termites eat through damp wood to create termite galleries connected by tunnels with smooth walls.
Dampwood Termite Breeding Habits
Winged termites, or swarmers, come out starting May until September. They swarm during the daytime. Desert dampwood termites prefer citrus trees in the wild.
Unlike subterranean termites, they have lesser members in a single colony. However, desert termites are unique in forming a colony that may stretch a considerable distance between an infested wood to the soil.
Signs of Dampwood Termite Infestation
Live termites are challenging to find because of their habit of closing holes in infested wood. Unlike other termite species, dampwood termites don’t form shelter tubes making detection of dampwood termite activity more challenging. Moreover significant termite damage is already present if a hollow sound is produced when you tap it. To achieve effective dampwood termite control, it is essential to watch out for the following signs:
Piles of dampwood termite fecal pellets that look like sawdust near damp wood.
Swarms of winged termites in your home.
Discarded wings, especially near windowsills.
Damaged wood within your home.
The hollow sound wood makes when tapping. The wood may also feel soft or papery in the case of wood siding.
How to Get Rid of Dampwood Termites?
Eliminating the moisture problem in your home is the best way to prevent dampwood termites from infesting your home. Though this specific termite rarely damages homes, unlike other termite species, eliminating excess moisture deprives them of conditions that will make them thrive and cause significant damage. Structural changes, such as replacing decaying wood with treated wood, are essential. Repairing leaking faucets, plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and water pipes, and drawing moisture from AC units can help prevent them from making their way to your home. Firewood also presents a good breeding ground for these termite species. Placing them at least 20 feet away from your home can help prevent them from reaching indoors. Get rid of dead wood, fallen logs, scrap wood, and decaying wood from your property as much as possible.
For the Best Pest Control Solutions Against Dampwood Termites, Call Arizona Termite and Pest Solutions, Now!
For dampwood termites and other termites in Arizona, you can count on us to find them and eliminate them from your property. If you suspect having dampwood termites on your property, it will be challenging to pinpoint precisely where you will start to find dampwood termites. It takes skill, experience, and knowing their habits to ensure that the appropriate solutions are applied. To get rid of dampwood termites now, call us at (480) 359-9600 or fill out our contact form for a quick response.
