Dampwood Termite Facts
Dampwood termites get their name from the wet wood they inhabit or colonize in. These termites like to group together in wood that is on the ground or connected to the ground that is decaying. A mature colony of dampwood termites can grow very large, sometimes as high as 4,000 termites in a single colony.
Dampwood termites eat across the grain, and the wood they begin to takeover looks clean-cut since these termites even patch up holes in the wood with fecal matter.
Each colony is made up of swarmer termites and soldiers.
Dampwood Termite Damage
All types of termites can cause serious damage to your home, business, or other property structure if the infestation is not swiftly addressed.
But, as the name suggests, dampwood termites like moist, weakened wood. So, it is imperative to take care of all damp wood on the property that may be subject to dampwood termite activity.
Dampwood Termite Infestation
Unlike other species of termites, dampwood termites do not make tunnels in the wood that they colonize. Dampened wood attracts these termites because of the moisture content.
Inside these colonies, any holes or cracks are patched up with fecal pellets that will not stick if dry but, if the wood is wet, it is more than likely to stick and plug any holes or structural damage.
With damp wood being the main attraction of dampwood termite colonies, buildings would need to have a leak in the roof, siding, or because of a plumbing problem. If there is nothing like that going on with the structure, it is not likely to be a place in which dampwood termites colonize due to the fact that structures usually do not have damp or moist wood.
Winged males and females are produced to mate and spread their population to different locations. With moisture being such a huge variable, fixing any leaks or problems that can result in a surplus of moisture is key to preventing dampwood termite infestations.
Types of Dampwood Termites
Two different types of dampwood termites divide a colony. The first is the swarmers of the colony. Their main objective is to reproduce and spread to other locations. Their wings make it easy for swarmers to find a mate and reproduce, as well as spread their population to different locations.
Soldiers, on the other hand, are the workers of the dampwood termite colony. They are the ones that patch up the wooden structure they inhabit
Dampwood Termite Bites
Dampwood termites can damage wooden structures in a home or business.
They are not known to bite humans but solider termites do have the ability to do so. This is only the case if they are picked up or handled in any way. Mostly they keep the biting for wood and different insects they eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I have a Dampwood Termite Infestation?
Swarms of flying termites around dusk and fecal matter left behind are tell-tail signs of a dampwood termite infestation.
Damage from these termites are hard to come by as they do not leave much behind. Moist or damp wood in one’s house could also be an indicator of dampwood termite colonies.
Why are Dampwood Termites Such a Big Deal?
Termites have cost homeowners great amounts of money because of the damage they have ensued.
Dampwood termites find themselves in high moisture places — like the basement, that periodically flood, along with leaky pipes, and other wet facilities of a home.
