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Characteristics
Size: King and queen bodies range from 1/2- to 5/8-inch. Nymphs range up to
5/8-inch. Soldiers range up to 3/4-inch in length.
Color: Kings and queens are brownish in color.
Kings and queens have two pair of wings that are equal in size and shape and
extend well beyond the tip of the abdomen. They shed their wings after brief
dispersal flights.
Behavior
Dampwood termites are social insects that live in colonies consisting of several
specialized forms. A mature colony may release "swarmers" (winged males and
females) in late spring through fall, depending on the species. The swarmers
have well-developed eyes, are pigmented in various shades of brown, and often
have wings that are "smoky" in appearance. After pairing, males and females will
shed their wings and may infest stumps and fallen logs. They now become the king
and queen of a new, developing colony. The majority of the dampwood colony
consists of nymphs (immatures) that are pale and soft-bodied. Although they have
no true worker caste, the nymphs perform the basic "house-keeping" duties
similar to subterranean workers. This involves enlarging the gallery system,
tending to the needs of the king and queen, care of the eggs and newly hatched
young, and obtaining food for other colony members. As nymphs mature, they
become reproductives (alates) or soldiers. The soldiers have pale, soft bodies,
but large, dark, hard-shelled heads with powerful mandibles. The soldiers defend
the colony against invasion by ants. Because their mandibles are so specialized,
they are unable to feed themselves, and must rely on care from the nymphs.
Physically, dampwood termites are larger than the subterranean and drywood
termites, and the dampwood soldier can be quite formidable in appearance.
Habitat
While subterranean termites may be found in every state except Alaska, the
dampwood termites are much more limited in geographic distribution. They can be
found mainly in the coastal mountains and inland mountains of California, Oregon
and Washington, and to a limited degree in Arizona and Nevada. Florida is home
to a common species of dampwood termite. As their name implies, dampwood
termites infest wood that has an excessive moisture condition, and therefore are
not often found in structures.
Tips for Control
Because dampwood termites infest wood with excessive moisture content, it is
unlikely they would infest a structure. However, leaky plumbing, faulty gutters
or downspouts, or snow drifts against wood exteriors could result in the
moisture levels required for infestation by dampwood termites.
AKA Termite Control and Management Benefits
- Regular Treatments and Inspections for Termite Infestations
- Trained Professional staffing
- Early detection and treatment for potential infestations
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