Florida Dampwood Termites: Tips for Identification & Control
When we talk about termites in Florida, most homeowners are familiar with drywood termites or the more destructive subterranean termites. But there's a lesser-known species that also causes trouble: Florida dampwood termites.
These pests may not be as widespread, but under the right conditions, a dampwood termite infestation can cause just as much termite damage.
Let’s walk through how to spot them and what steps you can take for termite control before they spread into new colonies.
Key Takeaways
- Florida dampwood termites are harder to spot but can still damage homes just like other common termite species.
- The first signs include reddish-brown swarmers, soft fecal pellets, moist hollow wood, and pale insects in stumps.
- Moisture repairs and wood removal help stop infestations before they grow into large colonies inside your home.
- Professional inspections and local termite treatments offer the most reliable protection for homes in South Florida.
How to Identify Florida Dampwood Termites
Florida is home to several types of termites, but dampwood termites are most common in coastal areas with high humidity, like South Florida and the Florida Keys.
Here's what to look for:
Reddish-Brown Swarmers Near Lights at Dusk
You’ll usually first notice alates, or swarmers, when they fly toward your porch lights during humid evenings. These castes have long, light-colored wings and a reddish-brown body.
Unlike subterranean termite swarmers, dampwood alates are larger and often fly in smaller groups.
Damaged Wood That’s Wet and Hollow Inside
Dampwood termites don't just chew through dry wood. They prefer infested wood that still has high moisture content, especially around roof leaks, under sinks, or near air conditioning units.
If you come across damaged wood that feels damp and spongy, with smooth galleries carved inside, it's time for a termite inspection.
Small Piles of Fecal Pellets or Frass
While West Indian drywood termites leave behind hard, six-sided droppings, dampwood termite frass is softer and found in larger clusters.
These feces, also called fecal pellets, can show up below baseboards, near window frames, or even inside attics where moisture builds up.
Seeing Pseudergates in Damp Wood Sources
Unlike other termite castes, dampwood termites rely on immature forms known as pseudergates or “false workers” to do the colony’s labor.
You might spot these pale, soft-bodied insects inside stumps, living trees, or rotting wood that's in direct contact with the ground.
Effective Ways to Control Florida Dampwood Termites
If you've confirmed a dampwood termite infestation, the good news is that it's manageable. Here’s how to keep an infestation from getting worse:
Address Excess Moisture Content and Leaks Immediately
Take a good look around your home for any areas with moisture problems. Repair roof leaks, redirect misaligned sprinklers, and make sure your gutters are clean and draining away from the foundation.
Even minor leaks can increase the moisture content of nearby wood, attracting dampwood termites.
Remove Infested Wood and Tree Stumps
Dampwood termites are often found in old stumps, logs, or living trees with internal decay. If you’ve got any decaying wood near the house, get rid of it.
That includes any moist wood inside your home, too.
Book a Professional Termite Inspection
If you’re unsure which termite species is behind the issue, or if you suspect more than one, it’s time to call in pest control professionals.
Professionals can provide thorough termite inspections and know how to identify the different types in Florida.
Use the Right Termite Control Methods
Dampwood termites don’t respond to bait systems designed for subterranean termites.
And while tent fumigation is common for drywood termites, localized treatment is usually enough for Florida dampwood termites.
Don’t Let Florida Dampwood Termites Linger
If you suspect Florida dampwood termites are already inside your home, don’t wait to act. These pests may move slowly, but once they establish termite colonies, they can be hard to get rid of without professional help.
At Native Pest Management, we offer expert services across South Florida, with guaranteed results. From termite treatment to prevention and moisture control, we’re here to protect your home before the damage spreads.
Schedule your free termite inspection today and stop termites in their tracks.