Pest Identification: Dampwood Termites in Tennessee

​One of the worst pests that can infest your Tennessee home or business may be hiding right under your feet. Notorious for feeding on moist wood in residential and commercial buildings, dampwood termites are tiny wood-destroying insects that often go unnoticed until it’s too late.  

Dampwood termites aren’t just any nuisance. They can cause serious, expensive property damage that weakens your home’s structural integrity if left unchecked. Concerned about a dampwood termite invasion in your space? Discover how to identify them with U.S. Pest Protection, or contact our experts today.

What do dampwood termites look like?

The largest termite species found in North America, dampwood termites are roughly 20 to 25 millimeters in length, with brownish-yellow bodies and large mandibles for chewing wood.

Unlike the common workers, soldier dampwood termites have significantly large, easy-to-identify heads. Swarmer dampwood termites are also larger than the workers and have wings that help them travel long distances to start new colonies.

While both swarmer and soldier dampwood termites are easy to identify, it is difficult to find them. Worker termites overwhelmingly outnumber soldiers, and swarmer termites are quick and die shortly after leaving their colonies. 

If you want to accurately identify these pests in your home or business, schedule a free inspection with U.S. Pest Protection today.

Where do dampwood termites live?

True to their name, dampwood termites target damp or water-damaged wood that’s close to the ground. In addition to piles of firewood, stumps, and fallen tree branches, they tend to build colonies around drain pipes, around leaking roofs, and in wooden supporting beams.

How to Get Rid of Dampwood Termites

From cosmetic damage to your siding to dangerous damage to your home’s structural integrity, you may be tempted to try to eliminate dampwood termites as soon as possible. While do-it-yourself solutions might make you feel better, they’re barely band-aid solutions for a serious pest problem.

Like other termite species, dampwood termites are persistent and often come back after pest treatments. If you want to stay completely termite-free, you need consistent, targeted pest control solutions from professionals. 

Schedule Your Free U.S. Pest Protection Dampwood Termite Inspection 

Dampwood termites may be difficult to eliminate, but with U.S. Pest Protection, you can trust your committed pest control experts to get rid of and prevent them from invading. Whether you suspect you’ve got a dampwood termite infestation or you’ve already found the results of one, we have you covered.

Once we’ve inspected your home or business, we’ll work with you to create a customized, routine pest control treatment to ensure your space stays pest-free. Plus, we offer additional free inspections after our services—even if we find a singular termite, we’ll gladly re-treat the area for free.

Keep your Tennessee living space or workplace free of dampwood termites and schedule a free inspection today!