Dampwood termite looks similar to the drywood termite but is actually a different type of pest. Dampwood termite is actually an ant, so you cannot mistake it for a subterranean type of pest. Dampwood termites don’t usually have direct contact with the ground. Instead, they make their nests in wood, dry leaves and brush piles.
The most effective way to distinguish between the various types of pests is to know how they look like. Dampwood termites resemble a piece of black charcoal with tiny holes all over it. Their abdomen has some black specks that signify where the reproductive termite is. The other parts of Dampwood termite resemble pieces of softwood. However, it’s easy to mistake these for pieces of timber because they have some similar features.
Dampwood termites leave fecal pellets around the wood they have infested. You will easily notice the black fecal pellets by looking at the damp wood. If the hole in the center of the pellet is larger than the diameter of an average pencil, the wood is probably inhabited by the adult termite. You can also see small animals or caterpillars inside the fecal pellets.
Dampwood termites can be found in North America, though the most common species is Dampwood intergrades which is found in western USA, Canada and Mexico. Dampwood termites are not as aggressive as their subspecies relatives and can live outdoors for several years without being bothered by predators. Dampwood termite colonies can reach up to five hundred insects, depending on the year of reproduction. These insects are attracted to a number of different sources of moisture and quickly relocate if that source is cut off. If you find a colony in your house, there is a high chance that you have one or more infestations.
The moisture level that these termites need to survive can be increased by adding large amounts of water. One cause of this is having a roof leak. Another is using fans or heating equipment with high moisture content. Another common source of infestation is plumbing leaks. These types of infestations are difficult to detect because the dampness is below the surface of the ground.
Dampwood termites are a minor pest problem but to keep them from becoming a major pest problem, you need to take preventive action. The best way to do this is to prevent the destruction they can bring to your home by identifying the signs of an infestation and calling a reputable pest control company for assistance. Boracare is the most effective treatment on the market for this type of infestation. A boracare treatment will kill off the entire colony as well as any larvae that emerge from the dead or dying colony. The treatment will also prevent the emergence of any worker termite.
If you find dampwood termites, you first need to discover where the moisture is coming from. One common source of moisture that they are attracted to is drywall or sheetrock. Look for areas that may have sunken ceilings or cracks. You might also find some damp spots on your drywall or sheetrock board. Dampness will also create a warm, moist environment that is perfect for boracare.
To detect whether or not your home has a subterranean termite colony, you can use a method called “intrusion detection”. Using this technique, the technician will probe your wood and check for evidence of the wood-destroying insects. If you do have drywood termite infestation, you will probably also see dark debris inside your walls, which is actually the remains of the boracare. This residue can be seen by an imaging device. Once you know there is an infestation and that you are dealing with drywood termites, consulting a professional should be your next step.
