Dampwood Termite
(Various scientific names)
Keep your home protected against these fierce invaders. These termites invade in the early fall, finding homes in moist areas, and relentlessly eat at the structure of your home, creating extensive damages.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
- Check for walls that sound hollow in places - this is 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 home.
- Look for them in the fall months.
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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. |
Prevention Tips For
Termites & Wood Destroying Organisms
Termites & Wood Destroying Organisms
- Remove all wood debris that is in contact with the soil
- Store fire wood away from house and off the ground
- Fix any leaks in pipes and drains
- Make sure drainage from the roof is directed away from the house
- Insulate home well to reduce condensation from temperature gradients
- Replace mulch that is close to the home with gravel
- Schedule yearly termite inspections for your home
It only takes a few minutes to start protecting your home today.
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