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Dampwood Termite

Dampwood Termites are native to the United States and are commonly found in cool, moist or humid coastal areas. Swarmers can be up to 1" long and generally swarm between July and October, but it is not unusual to find them at other times of the year. They are usually dark red-brown to black with wings that extend well past the end of the abdomen. These wings have 3 thickened veins that run from the base to the tip of the wing. Swarmers are usually most active on warm humid evenings just before sunset and tend to be attracted to light. They can be distinguished from flying ants by the 2 sectioned body (ants have a 3 sectioned body).

Colonies can vary in size but it is not unusual for them to contain up to 4000. Females lay about 12 eggs at a time. Outside, nests can commonly be found in areas where wood has been covered or buried in the ground. Inside a home structure, they will most commonly nest in areas of moisture damaged wood. Unlike other species of termites, the dampwood termite has a tendency to work their way up from the foundation towards the roof rafters.

Prevention of the dampwood termite includes:

1. Addressing moisture sources in and around your home such as leaking pipes and gutters. Ensure that water is carried away from the structure by downspouts.
2. Keeping shrubbery trimmed back from the structure to allow good air ventilation through foundation vents.
3. Assuring there is no wood to soil contact around the perimeter of your home.
4. Removing wood debris from under the home and storing firewood wood well away from the structure.

Removal and replacement of any wood containing excessive moisture will generally be effective in control. After correcting the moisture conditions, if populations remain in excess, then a call to Long Pest Control can develop an Integrated Pest Control program to eliminate the sightings and provide and environment free of unwanted ground crawling insects year round.