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, and a mature colony of dampwood termites can grow very large, sometimes as high as 4,000 in one single colony.
Dampwood termites eat across the grain, and the wood they take over 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 their infestation is not quickly taken under control. But, as their name suggests, dampwood termites like moist, weakened wood. So, it is imperative to take care of all damp wood 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 in. Damp wood attracts these termites because of the moisture.
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, housing 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 home, 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 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
Drywood 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 About Drywood Termites
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 is it 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 long with leaky pipes and other wet facilities of a home.