Did you ever think you would read the words "thankful" and "termites" in the same sentence? When it comes to termites, you can be thankful if it's dampwood termites that have invaded your home! The reason is because they are simple to get rid of as compared to other termites, such as drywood termites, which can only be killed by fumigation. You can simply evict dampwood termites from your home by removing or fixing the source that brought them to your home: wet wood. Wet wood in your home can result from leaky gutters, leaky plumbing pipes or other sources.
Dampwood termites, as the name implies, thrive on damp and decaying timber. They are also known as rottonwood termites and are larger than most types of termites. They are more prominent in forest areas and are mostly found in Pacific Coast states, such as Montana, Idaho, Northern Nevada, Oregon, Northern California and Washington. Less damaging species are found in areas of the Southwest and Southern Florida. Most dampwood termites are found outdoors rather than in homes.
Ways to Prevent Dampwood Termites
- Trim shrubbery that locks air flow around and over the house foundation.
- Check gutters and downspouts, as excessive moisture in the gutters could seep into the walls of your home, thereby attracting dampwood termites.
- Roof & Siding - Check the roof to make sure there are no rotten boards.
- Keep wood away from your home. Piles of firewood and newspapers should be at least a few feet away from your home.
