PACIFIC DAMPWOOD TERMITE The Pacific dampwood termite is the largest termite in the Bay Area. This termite is does not bring water up from the ground, but they do need high moisture requirements and are often associated with wood decay. There is no true caste system with dampwood termites. All work is performed by immature soldiers and reproductives. Workers are cream to tan in color. Measuring 3/8 to 3/4 inches long, they are in charge of gathering food, colony expansion, caring for the queen and all immature stages. Soldiers are the defenders of the colony. They are 3/4 inches long and have a flattened brown or yellowish brown head with elongated black mandables. Their primary enemy is ants, usually carpenter ants. Due to the size of their mandables soldiers are unable to feed themselves. Swarmers are reddish brown with brown wings. They have small swarms periodically throughout the year. Dampwood termite swarmers are attracted to light and it is common to find them caught in spider webs near exterior lights. Dampwood termites are usually found in tree stumps and fallen tree branches. On structures they can be found in leaky roofs, leaky windows, leaky tubs or showers, sub areas with inadequate ventilation or plumbing leaks, or even old wood decking. Dampwood termite fecal pellets are larger than drywood pellets and because they require high moisture they are not loose. They will use their pellets to block off their galleries if needed. Eliminating the high moisture from the structure is the key to control the dampwood termites. 888 292-7378 © 2005 Burge Pest Control. For noncommercial purposes only any website may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read LEGAL NOTICES. Webmaster www.designwestgraphics.com