Dampwood Termites

Family Hodotermitidae
Dampwood Termite - NPMA.jpg

As the name suggests, dampwood termites infest wood with high moisture content. Dampwood termites are normally larger in size than other termite species.

Pest Stats

Color

Creamy white to brownish

Legs

6

Shape

Long, narrow and oval

Size

1/2" - 5/8 inch long

Antennae

Yes

Region

Found throughout the pacific coastal and adjacent states, the desert or semi-arid southwest, and southern Florida

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Habits

Dampwood termite colonies, like drywood termites, have no worker caste. The nymph dampwood termites take care of the kings and queens of the colony and feed the soldier caste. These termites create a series of chambers in wood, which are connected by tunnels with smooth walls, as if sandpapered.

Habitat

Dampwood termites are usually found in logs, stumps, dead trees, fence posts and utility poles.

Threats

Dampwood termites do not usually infest structures because of their need for excessive moisture. However, care must be taken to avoid attracting dampwood termites to a structure, as they can cause serious property damage. In fact, dampwood termites and other termite species cause a collective $5 billion in property damage each year.