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Dampwood Termites – Spotting the Signs of These Moisture-Loving Pests
Dampwood termites are larger than most termite species and, as their name suggests, prefer moist or decaying wood. They are typically found in areas with excessive moisture, such as leaky roofs, water-damaged wood, or poorly ventilated spaces like crawl spaces and basements. Unlike subterranean termites, dampwood termites don’t require contact with soil, but they do need a high moisture content to survive.
You can often identify a dampwood termite infestation by looking for soft, water-damaged wood that crumbles easily. Dampwood termites also leave behind smooth, clean galleries within the wood, as they don’t carry dirt into their tunnels like subterranean termites do. Another sign of their presence is piles of frass (termite droppings) near the infested wood, though these droppings are often hard to spot in heavily decayed areas.
In terms of appearance, dampwood termites are larger than other termites, with soldiers measuring up to 20 mm long and having large, powerful mandibles. They are usually light brown to dark brown in color. While they don’t typically infest homes as frequently as other termite species, when they do, it’s often a sign of underlying moisture issues. Treating both the moisture source and the termites is critical for effectively eliminating dampwood termite infestations.
