Dampwood Termites

• Color: cream-colored body with reddish brown to blackish head
• Size: very large in size, ranging from 1/2-inch to over an inch in length
• Feed on:  wood and wood products
• Nests:burrow tunnels through wet, decayed or damaged wood. In homes, they are most often found in wood damaged by leaky pipes, damaged gutters, poor ventilation, or other areas of excessive moisture. Colonies will also expand into dry wood as populations grow.
• Identifying Characteristics: The large size distinguishes the Dampwood Termite.

Subterranean Termites

• Color: translucent to creamy brown
• Size: 1/8 to 3/8 inch in length
• Feed on: wood and wood products
• Nests: living in underground colonies, they build “mud tubes” up sides of the home or through cracks in foundations to get access to wood.
• Identifying Characteristics: very large heads and black mandibles. Their winged swarmers are dark brown to brownish black with brownish gray wings. They are easily identifiable by their tapping sounds when disturbed, underground nests and “mud” tubes.