Dampwood Termites in Vancouver WA and Portland OR - Interstate Pest Management

Dampwood Termite

Dampwood termites are known for consuming and nesting inside of wood with high moisture content. Since these pests cannot survive without water, they are drawn to damp, rotting, or wet wood. Unlike other termites, they do not construct mud tubes; instead, dampwood termites live within the wood they are feasting on. To trap moisture and humidity, these termites will even deposit their feces to cover entry holes. Like other species of termites, dampwood termites can be a major problem for home and property owners by chewing through important wooden structures.

Category:

Description

 

 Size 3/4″ to 1″
Characteristics Large in size; light brown to reddish-brown color.
Legs 6
Antennae Yes
Wings Alates/swarmers have wings.
Habitat Requires moisture to survive. Mainly nests in moist, weakened, or decaying wood.
 Habits
  • Mainly nests in wood with high moisture content, hence their name.
  • Frequently targets felled timber, dead trees, and stumps.
  • Infestations could be a sign of plumbing or drainage issues in buildings.
Dampwood Termites in the Pacific North West Dampwood termites are a large species of termites that are often found in humid or tropical climates. Since these termites require ample amounts of moisture to survive, they often build nests in wet or decaying wood. Unlike other types of termites that construct mud tubes to use as a nest, dampwood termites live entirely within the wood that they feed on. They will even cover entry holes with feces to preserve high levels of humidity. Since dampwood termites feed on wood, they can be extremely damaging to homes, buildings, and other timber structures.
Dampwood Termite Habitat Dampwood termites primarily live in climates with high humidity, largely because they require plenty of moisture to feed and survive. These pests typically target wet or damp wood that is beginning to decay. Dampwood termites commonly infest structures with high moisture or fungus from plumbing leaks, drainage problems, or ventilation issues. If dampwood termites infest a residential home, they can cause significant damage by chewing through important structural components such as support beams.
Dampwood Termite Behavior, Threats, and Dangers Since dampwood termites feed on wood, they can cause significant damage to homes and buildings. That said, these termites require ample moisture to survive, so they primarily nest in wet, weakened, or rotting wood. Dampwood termites on your property could indicate that there is a plumbing problem or leak somewhere on your property that is causing excess moisture. If you notice the signs of dampwood termites in or around your home, it’s important to enlist the help of an expert termite exterminator to remove the pests before they can cause major damage.

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