Termites pose a major threat to homes and other human structures. There are a number of different species of termites that live throughout California, one being the dampwood Termite. Dampwood termites are one of the top three major species found destroying homes. Animal Pest Management Services, Inc will share more about dampwood termites and signs of an infestation.
Dampwood Termite Wood Damage
Dampwood termites are very common throughout California as they love cool but humid climates. Dampwood termites typically infest decaying wood that has remained moist. Termites have been found to infest old trees, stumps, logs, utility poles, fence posts and firewood piles. However, termites have also been found infesting our homes. Some areas inside the home where dampwood termites have been known to infest are along gutter systems, in basements and in bathrooms. Dampwood termites will infest any wood that has been in contact with water. Dampwood termites will often chew galleries through the wood they feast on, creating elaborate tunnels. Dampwood termites require damp wood to feast on and for their nests as they can’t chew through stronger wood. If termites are found in a home it is due to an underlining problem such as a leak, poor ventilation, and basically wood decay. Additionally, dampwood termites require a need to be near a water source. Again, if they are found in the home, there is most likely a leak present in the home.
Dampwood Termite Identification
The reproductive male and female dampwood termites can range from ¾ to 1 inch in length and have wings. Reproductive termites, better known as swarmers often come out after recent rain or during the spring. However due to our climate, swarmers are active beginning in January and go through October. Swarmers have long translucent black wings. They have a reddish orange color body. Worker and soldier termites are slightly smaller than the swarmers. Once a female swarmer mates, her abdomen triples in size.
Signs of Dampwood Termites
Signs of dampwood termites can be harder to detect as this termite species don’t make mud tunnels or have visible holes in the wood. Dampwood termites also stay inside the dampened wood they infest as they require a need to stay moist. This means that other than the swarmers, the rest of the colony isn’t often seen. However, there are some signs dampwood termites will leave of their presence. One sign is hollowed out or soft feeling wood. You can easily tap on the wood and it will sound hollow. Dampwood termites will also leave behind fecal pellets often near their nest, which forms larger clumps of feces.
Termite Pest Inspections, Control, Treatment & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
As dampwood termites are rather elusive, it often takes a professional to inspect for termites in your home to detect their presence. If a homeowner has suspicions that there are termites in their home, it is recommended to seek a professional termite inspection. If dampwood termites are found in your home, it can be treated for termites. Dampwood termites can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage in a single home. If dampwood termites pose a threat to your home, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance. For quality pest control services, contact Animal Pest Management Services, Inc today.