Dampwood Termites and Their Control

The infestation of dampwood termites is a common issue that infests homes and building structures, this termite population can reach several thousand individuals, and gallery systems that can extend many meters into the wood. Dampwood termites can be found throughout Florida and the Florida Keys, the natural habitat of these termites includes most humid climates for example mangroves, woodlands, and some urban environments. As the name says the dampwood termite can only survive by living in wood where the moisture level is high.

Of the three common termites that cause damage dampwood termites cause the least amount but given this fact at the first sign of their presence control measures should be put in place immediately to reduce their populations.

Dampwood Termite Identification

Although dampwood termites are reddish to light or dark they are generally brown, the nymphs are cream-colored. Dampwood termites are the largest in North America, they possess two front wings and two rear wings, which are equally in shape and size their bodies have three segments, a smaller head segment, and a larger head segment that contains their thorax and abdomen.  They have six legs and two straight antennae protruding from their head segment.

Dampwood Termites LifeCycle

The dampwood termite life cycle can be divided into three stages egg, nymphs, and adults, the first two stages of this termite species last for about a month each and the adult life expectancy can last for several years.

Signs of Dampwood Termite Damage

Dampwood termites infest wood that contains high moisture, unlike subterranean termites they don’t need to make contact with the soil to sustain themselves but can be found in wood that makes contact with the ground. Although their infestation can be found in damp or decaying wood, dead trees, stumps, and logs they will infest structures that are exposed to high humidity and moist soil. To know if you have a dampwood termite infestations look for these signs.

• Signs of wood decay.
• The wood sounds hollow when tapped.
• The presence of termites is visible.
• Evidence of shed wings.
• Most termites will push their waste (frass) out of the holes, but with dampwood termites, they will use the frass or droppings to seal openings into the wood to lock in humidity and moisture.
• When touched the wood feels soft.
• Piles of fecal pellets outside wood galleries
• Dampwood termites will weaken the wood structure by creating tunnels inside.
• Ejected wood pellets are visible

Note: It is best to consider calling first a professional company to do the job for you.

How to Treat Dampwood Termite

• Your first line of defense in treating dampwood termites is the removal of boards or wood that are moisture-soaked and rotting.
• Increase ventilation.
• Make sure that all of your drains are working properly.
• Heat treatments are an effective way to control dampwoood termites, this process is accomplished with the use of propane heaters. These heaters are used to heat the house or building structure that has been covered with traps to assist in holding in the heat. Once the temperature inside the wood reaches 130 degrees is kept at that temperature for about an hour and a half. However, this method will prove ineffective if the termite’s nest is near or below the ground because of not be able to raise the temperature high enough to control termites.

How to Treat Dampwood Termites with Insecticides

Many labeled pesticides can be used to treat dampwood termites, and some of these Insecticides include.

• BoraCare Wood Treatment.
• D-Foam Deltamethrin.
• Tri Die Pressurized Silica Gel Aerosol.
• Premise 2 Concentrate.
• Optigard Flex Insecticide.
• Stainless Steel Needle Injector.
• Termidor SC Concentrate.
• Alpine Ant And Termite Foam.
• Timbor Professional Wood Treatment.
• Hand Held Sprayer.

Always read the label and follow according to the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.

How to Prevent Dampwood Termite

Here are Key Points to prevent Dampwood Termites in your Home.

• To prevent dampwood termites from your home or building structure address any moisture issue, and eliminate moisture by diverting water away from your property’s foundation. For example rainfall.
• Make sure that your gutters are clean and free of debris for proper water movement.
• Direct water away from  AC units, wood, and your building’s foundation.
• Repair leaky pipes
• Roofs that have leak issues should be dealt with immediately.
• Repair leaky faucets.

Conclusion

Dampwood Termites are destructive and should be dealt with immediately once discovery is made, this guide will help you to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. I have seen the damage these termites can cause weakening a house or building structure that is dangerous. Do it yourself or call in a professional company to do the job for you, you will be glad with the results as you stop termites in their tracks.