Dampwood Termites - Pestipedia

Dampwood termites, belonging to the termite family Termopsidae, are typically larger than other termite species and, as their name suggests, prefer to infest wood with high moisture content. Although not as economically significant as subterranean or Formosan termites, they can still cause damage if left unchecked.

Description and Biology

Dampwood termites range in size from about 1/2 to 5/8 inch long. The worker caste is usually cream-colored, while the reproductive caste is darker, often brown or black, with wings. Soldiers have large brown or dark red heads with strong mandibles.

Unlike subterranean termites, dampwood termites do not construct shelter tubes. Instead, they live directly in the wood on which they feed. Their colonies are typically smaller than those of other termite species.

Behavior and Ecology

Dampwood termites are most commonly found in cool, humid, coastal areas, particularly in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. They infest damp and decaying timber, logs, stumps, and dead trees, and rarely infest structures unless there are serious moisture problems.

These termites feed on wood and, because they require more moisture than other termite species, they can often be found in wood that is decaying or has been exposed to water.

Social Structure

Like other termite species, dampwood termites have a caste system, which includes the reproductives (king and queen), soldiers, and workers. The queen is responsible for laying eggs, while the soldiers protect the colony from invaders, and the workers take care of feeding the colony and maintaining the nest.

Human Interactions

Although dampwood termites are not as destructive as subterranean or Formosan termites, they can still cause damage to structures, especially those with existing moisture problems. Prevention of dampwood termite infestations primarily involves controlling moisture and removing potential sources of damp wood.

Control measures for dampwood termites usually involve eliminating the source of moisture, treating the infested wood with a borate-based product, or in more severe cases, fumigation.