Dampwood termites are often called “rottenwood” termites because of their desire for very moist and rotted wood. … They require high amounts of moisture, humidity and access to water. For this reason, they tend to nest in trees, damp logs and untreated posts. Dampwood termites are also known to infest live living trees.
What do wet wood termites look like?
COLOR: Dampwood termites are generally brown in color, but can range from dark to light, and can even be reddish, especially towards their abdomens. Nymphs are cream-colored. BEHAVIOR: This species needs regular contact with water and a high humidity to survive. This makes them very different from their drywoodcousins.
How big are damp wood termites?
Dampwood termites are the largest of all termite species and can range from 1/3 inch to well over 1/2 inch in length. Because of their large size and ability to damage wood more rapidly than their cousin subterranean and drywood termites, they are considered an important economic pest in areas along the Pacific Coast.
What eats damp wood?
Dampwood termites are common throughout California, but due to their high moisture requirements, they are most often found in cool, humid areas along the coast. Dampwood termites typically infest decayed wood that remains moist either through contact with the soil or exposure to a water leak.
Can termite damage look like water damage?
Seeing their shed wings along window sills is also another sign of the presence of termites. Wood damage is an obvious sign of the presence of termites. It can often look like water damage, or darkening of the wood, but sometimes termite bore holes are also present.
What is the best way to get rid of termites?
Some of the best ways to get rid of termites is to apply termite-killing products to your home’s exterior, use direct chemicals on the inside of your home, set up termite baits, and spray boric acid in your floors and walls.