Dampwood termites
(Archotermopsidae)
Dampwood termites are the most common type of termite found in the United States, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, South and Northeast regions. They live in damp wood and can damage homes by hollowing out wood for shelter and breeding purposes.
Dampwood termites are light brown or dark yellowish-brown with two pale bands on their abdomens; they have three pairs of legs on each side of their bodies; their antennae have five segments with a knob at the end for grasping onto things; they have a long narrow head that extends beyond the width of their bodies when viewed from above; males have wings but females do not; males also have a pair of appendages called “cerci” at the rear end of their abdomens which they use while mating to grasp onto females during copulation.
What are dampwood termites?
Dampwood termites are a type of subterranean termite. They can be found in the Pacific Northwest, Northeast and Midwest. Dampwood termites are different from drywood termites because they live in damp areas like the walls or roofs of homes or buildings. There are many species but all share similar traits that make them unique from other types of insects:
- They live underground and hollow out tunnels in dead trees or decaying wood
- They have off-white wings that can grow up to about 1/2 inch long (1 cm)
- Their bodies are covered with hair-like scales called setae
How do I know if I have them?
Dampwood termites are often easier to spot than most termites. The best way to find them is by looking for their droppings, which are small and shaped like grains of rice (about 1/16 inch long). If you notice that there is a large amount of these droppings near your home or any wood structures, this can be a sign that you have dampwood termites. You should also be on the lookout for wings that have been shed by flying workers as they move around the colony. These will look similar to bits of white paper fluttering in the wind.
If you do not see any signs of winged insects or discolored wood on your house yet, but you have noticed holes in your siding near ground level (and especially if this is where water leaks occur), then chances are good that you do have these pests!
What do they look like?
Dampwood termites are typically brown with a shiny, reddish-brown abdomen. They are about ½ inch long and have six legs. The dampwood termite’s head is pear-shaped or football-shaped. It has four antennae that are straight in front of its head and two larger antennae behind its head for detecting vibrations. Their bodies are thin and smooth, giving them the appearance of being tiny footballs.
Dampwood termites prefer wood with high moisture content because they need moisture to digest their food. They eat the cellulose found in trees by tunneling through them to reach this food source, causing significant structural damage as they feed on your home’s structure over time if left untreated by an expert exterminator like ourselves here at [company name].
How can I prevent them from re-entry?
If you want to keep your home and property safe from future infestation, it’s important to take steps now. You can do this by:
- Placing a barrier between the ground and the building. This includes putting up walls around your house or business, as well as covering vents with screens or other devices that prevent termites from entering them.
- Using a chemical barrier that contains boric acid or diatomaceous earth (DE). These substances are toxic to termites but not harmful to humans or pets; they're often applied directly onto wood structures before treatment begins so that they'll kill any existing termites in their path. If you're using DE, be sure that interested parties know where it's being used so they don't accidentally come into contact with it while doing yardwork around your property!
Have questions about dampwood termites? We have answers!
You can take some steps to prevent re-infestation, such as installing a barrier around the house. If you have any questions about these invasive pests or would like to learn more about pest control options in your area, please call us today.
