Termites

Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites infest wood with a high moisture content. Dampwood termites are normally larger than other termite species. Bodies of king and queen dampwood termites range in size from ½ inch to ⁵⁄₈ inch long and have two pairs of wings that are equal in size and shape, extending beyond their abdomen. Nymphs can be as long as ⁵⁄₈ inch and worker dampwood termites are up to ¾ inch in size

• Size: 1/2-5/8"
• Shape: Long, narrow and oval
• Color: Creamy white to brownish
• Legs: 6
• Wings: No
• Antenna: Yes
• Region: Found throughout the pacific coastal and adjacent states, the desert or semi-arid southwest, and southern Florida

Diet:

Dampwood termites infest wood with a high moisture content.

Habitat:

Dampwood termite colonies, like drywood termites, have no worker caste. The nymph dampwood termites take care of the kings and queens of the colony and feed the soldier caste. Drywood termites are usually found in logs, stumps, dead trees, fence posts and utility poles.

Threat:

Because of their need for excessive moisture, dampwood termites are not often found in structures. However, these termites will infest sound wood if moisture is maintained, especially where wood is in contact with the ground or there is a moisture supply such as a leaky pipe. Care must be taken to avoid attracting dampwood termites to a structure as they can cause serious property damage.

Prevention:

• Eliminate sources of moisture by diverting water away from your home’s foundation with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside of the home.
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces, attics and basements with proper ventilation.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches off the ground.
• Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation and avoid wood-to-ground contact.
• Replace any damp or damaged wood on your home’s exterior.
• If you suspect a termite problem, contact a licensed pest professional right away.

Did you know?
Dampwood termites…

• Eat wood across the grain.
• Create a series of chambers in wood, which are connected by tunnels with smooth walls, as if sandpapered.
• And other termite species cause a collective $5 billion in property damage each year.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites are social insects. They infest dry wood, like that found in attic framing. Unlike most termite species, drywood termites do not require contact with the soil. Swarming drywood termites fly into structures and infest wood directly.

• Size: 3/8" to 1
• Shape: Long, narrow and oval
• Color: Creamy white to light brown
• Legs: 6
• Wings: Yes
• Antenna: Yes

Diet:

They infest dry wood, like that found in attic framing.

Habitat:

Drywood termites form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termite colonies do not have a worker caste. The work is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood.

Threats:

Drywood termites can infest structures and cause significant structural damage. They can chew through support beams, floors and walls, causing expensive repairs.

Prevention:

• Avoid wood-to-ground contact around the perimeter of your home.
• Routinely inspect your home for signs of drywood termites. Pay special attention to window/door frames, trim, eaves, siding and attics.
• If you suspect a termite problem, contact a licensed pest professional right away.

Did you know?
Drywood termites…

• Can be transported to new locations via an infested piece of furniture, a picture frame, etc.
• Usually swarm on sunny, warm days after a sudden rise in temperature.
• And other termite species cause a collective $5 billion in property damage each year.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termite colonies are organized into castes depending on tasks – workers, soldiers and reproductives. The characteristics of a subterranean termite are dependent on the termite's role in the colony.

• Size: 1/8"
• Shape:Long, narrow and oval
• Color:Creamy white to dark brown/black
• Legs: 6
• Wings: No
• Antenna: Yes
• Region:

Diet:

They feed on products containing cellulose.

Habitat:

Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas above ground. They build distinctive "mud tubes" to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. Like other termite species, they feed on products containing cellulose. Subterranean termites swarm in the spring when groups of reproductive termites go off to start new colonies.

Threat:

Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive termite species. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time. They can cause severe property damage.

Prevention:

• Divert water away from your home’s foundation with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside of the home.
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces, attics and basements with proper ventilation..
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches off the ground..
• Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation..
• Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of mud tubes, cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped..
• If you suspect a termite problem, contact a licensed pest professional right away..

Did you know?
Subterranean termites…

• live in colonies with as many as two million members.
• use their scissor-like jaws to eat wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• And other termite species cause a collective $5 billion in property damage each year.