Pest Library
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All it takes is one pest sighting to ruin the reputation you’ve worked so hard to build.
Dampwood Termite
(Various scientific names)
These termites invade in the early fall--seeking out buildings in moist areas. They forage relentlessly on building structures, creating extensive damage.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
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| Class: | Order: | Family: | |
| Insecta | Isoptera | Kalotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae, Termopsideae | |
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| Size: | Dampwood termite nymphs are up to 3/4 in (20mm) long, swarmers up to 1 in (25mm) long. |
| Color: | |
| Characteristics: | The dampwood termites in these three families vary in appearance, but are in the same habitat group. Most of these species are larger than the eastern/western/subterranean termites. |
| Geographic Range: | Dampwood termites are found in Pacific and adjacent states, the desert or semi-arid southwest, and southern Florida. |
| Food: | Dampwood termites eat wood. |
| Biology: | Dampwood termites are not subterranean, and do not require contact with damp ground (except for desert dampwood termites). They do need damp wood, such as that in contact with the ground or constant moisture. They do not usually burrow in soil. Swarming time varies depending on the family. Check locally known species for specific information on swarming time. Swarmers excavate a chamber in wood, enter, seal it off, mate, and the female (queen) lays eggs. There is no worker caste; immatures do the work. |
- Check for walls that sound hollow in places- evidence of tunneling.
- Check for evidence of damage to structure.
- Examine wooden objects, like furniture, since they often reside there.
- These pests can burrow tunnels into wood structure of your buildings.
- Look for them in the fall months.