One of Four Types of Termites – Dampwood Termites

Damp Wood Termites
Dampwood Termites

Looking at the termite damage to your home and trying to figure out “whodunit?” The Tom’s River termite control experts at Allison Pest Control are here to put the spotlight on dampwood termites to help you better ID your offenders…

What’s in a name?
As their name suggests, dampwood termites are named after their favorite meal: very moist wood. They need lots of moisture, and as such, require damp environments such as dying wood or homes with moisture problems resulting from leaking plumbing, ailing roofs, or others issues that keep wood wet.

Dampwood mugshot:
Dampwood termites are larger than the other three types of termite species. Colonies don’t have workers. Instead, younger termites – dubbed “false workers” – perform daily tasks for the colony, such as munching your home’s structure. Dampwood termites can be identified by their brownish, 1/2-5/8 inch long, narrow, oval body complete with 6 legs, wings, and antenna.

Dampwood prevention
Dampwood termites typically don’t bother buildings because under normal conditions there is not enough water in the wood. You can keep them away from your home by ensuring sufficient drainage that slants away from your home, replacing damp or damaged wood outside your home, and the timely repair of leaks that could attract them to your home’s structure.

Termite’s munching your home or business eating at you? The Tom’s River termite control experts at Allison Pest Control can help. Contact us today.