Texas is home to many species of termites. Each species of termites has their own unique habits, behaviors, and characteristics that help separate the individual species. A-Tex Pest Management would like to help homeowners and business owners learn a little more about Desert Dampwood Termites and how to identify the signs of a desert damp wood termite infestation. It is important to know when your when home or business is under a termite invasion so you react quickly and properly.
Desert Dampwood Termite Identification
Some of the most frequently seen termites that most people don’t even realize is termites are the swarmers or alates. Alates or swarmers are the king or queen termites. They greatly differ in appearance from the rest of a termite colony. Desert damp wood termite swarmers are dark brown and they look like a winged ant, but with a long pair of teardrop-shaped wings and a long abdomen. The king and queen usually come of reproductive age in the spring and will mate. Afterward, the queen will look for a nesting site to begin her future colony. The king dies shortly after mating. The queen will lay her eggs and begin cutting galleries from her first generation of termites. Within the colony, there are soldier termites and worker termites. Soldier termites, if seen, can look rather scary compared to the workers. Soldier termites come equipped with a big head that houses a large pair of pincers. The soldier's termite body is light in color like a pale yellow, while their head is a darker shade of reddish-brown. Worker termites are all pale in color with little round heads and an oval body.
Where Do Desert Dampwood Termites Live?
Desert damp wood termites are named for their desire to feed and live in damp wooden areas. Termites are very sensitive to heat. Those that live in the desert are known for their need to live underground or in cool places in order to survive. Desert damp wood termites like the cooler temperatures of damp or soiled wood and the ease of feeding on the softened areas. That’s why basements or areas that have been exposed to flooding or leaking pipes often will get infested by these termites. However, in most cases, desert damp wood termites seldom infest homes. They are normally found near rivers, lakes, or places where there is constant water and where decaying trees are exposed to the water.
Signs of a Desert Dampwood Termite Infestation
They prefer to stay under the wood but you may notice piles of sawdust that resemble an anthill or you may see fecal pellets left behind or even soft spots in the wood. Another sign is seeing dead king swarmers or even the wings of a queen. After mating, and when the queens find the perfect spot to begin their own colony, they will twist off their wings and begin digging.
Termite Inspections, Control, Removal & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Windemere, Hutto, Cedar Park & Austin, Texas
Your best defense against a termite invasion is to use a professional termite exterminator. There are, of course, some steps the homeowner can take to prevent and help control the problem. However, due to termite behavior, they can be both difficult to control and locate. If you have any signs of a termite infestation in your home or property, contact A-Tex Pest Management. We can inspect your home for termites, and if found, can help protect your home or business from any termite invasion. Contact A-Tex Pest Management today!