Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about large businesses for home owners such as Orkin and Terminix
Dampwood and drywood termites will both destroy your home, if you let them. There are some important differences between the two types, however, that might affect the amount and type of damage done to your home, the best way of detecting an infestation, and the best removal methods.
Appearance
All termite species share a somewhat similar appearance, with a pale colored cylindrical body, and a darker head with large jaws. However, there are some small differences between dampwood and drywood termites that might aid in identification.
Dampwood reproductive termites range in size from half an inch to five eighths of an inch. The “soldier” termites may be as large as three quarters of an inch. The kings and queens are darker than soldiers, being brownish in color all over the body, while soldiers have pale cream bodies with darker brown heads.
Drywood termites tend to be somewhat smaller. The soldier termites are pale cream color with brown jaws and heads, and grow to around three eighths of an inch, while the reproductive termites grow to around half an inch in length, and are light to dark brown in color.
Life Cycle
Both dampwood and drywood termites form the swarming colonies that herald the beginning of the reproductive cycle for a new termite pair. The swarm also means that one or more new infestation colonies will be created.
However, the two species differ in terms of when they most “prefer” to swarm. The peak swarming months for drywood termites are January through May, while dampwood termites can swarm from late spring through to the fall months.
Another difference between the two is that drywood termites do not have “worker” termites in their colonies. Younger reproductive and soldier termites serve as workers until they reach maturity. This can be useful information for identification purposes, as each species (and each caste of termite within a species) differs somewhat in appearance.
Wood Moisture Content Requirements
Perhaps the most significant difference-in terms of the damage they do-between dampwood and drywood termites is their habitat. Both types nest in wood, but have different habitat preferences.
As their names suggest, each type of termite has habitat preferences based on their moisture content needs. Dampwood termites naturally gravitate to woods with higher moisture contents, while drywood termites prefer woods with lower moisture contents.
This difference is because drywood termites actually have the ability to live off water they themselves produce when digesting the cellulose they feed off. Dampwood termites do not have this metabolic capacity, so they must live in an area which provides them with an external water source.
This doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll inhabit different types of wood, however. What is does mean is that if you have a termite infestation, you’re more likely to have a problem with dampwood termites if the infestation is located in timber that’s in contact with excess moisture from a plumbing leak, poor ventilation or drainage, or other moisture sources such as clogged guttering.
All of this means that depending on where you live, you may be prone to infestation with a different species. Dampwood termites, for example, are most often found in humid coastal and subtropical regions of America, including California, Florida, South and North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
Treatment and Prevention
One of the most important differences in treatment for dampwood and drywood termites is that when treating for dampwood termites, you must also correct the source of the moisture in the wood that the colony inhabits.
If you live in an area that is naturally humid this may be something of a problem, but if the excess moisture is caused by a leaking pipe or other structural issue in your home, you will need to have that problem fixed to make sure that the termite issue doesn’t recur.
Another issue is that if you identify dampwood termites as the source of your problem, you have further options for reducing the likelihood of a reoccurrence of the infestation. You can, for example, improve ventilation and drainage in your home, to reduce the moisture content of wood and make the home less hospitable for dampwood termites.
Removing moisture sources can be particularly effective, and may mean that you can control and prevent dampwood infestations simply using these habitat modification methods. These kinds of measures are not possible if drywood termites are your problem, but treating your home will be effective in killing the colony and preventing infestations in the future.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Tampa Pest Control And Signs That You Need a Pest Control Exterminator
- The Best Way to Do Pest Control!
- Finding A Pest Control Service
- Tips from a New York Bed Bug (Pest Control) Expert
- Find Quality Pest Control Throughout Scottsdale And The Region
- Silverfish Pest Control - Harmful For Your Home
- San Antonio Pest Control - 5 Awesome Results of Pest Control
- Mesa Pest Control - Make An Informed Decision




Replacing your bathroom suite
By: brookepens | 28/12/2009If your bathroom is passed its sell by date you may want to rip it out and start again. The chances are that you will want to replace your bathroom suite but before you buy a new toilet, sink and bath, take time to consider what you want from your new bathroom.
Bed bugs remedies
By: David Scott | 28/12/2009Are you looking for bed bugs remedies? Do you want to find out more details on how to get rid of them? If your answer to either of these two questions is affirmative, then you should definitely keep on reading this article. You will be informed about all the things that matter when it comes to killing bed bugs and protecting your house from these awful, blood-sucking creatures.
High usage of Marble in UK
By: danieljhonsons | 28/12/2009Marble is extensively used and best suited for bathrooms, entryways and fireplaces, living & dining areas. Due to its stunning and amazing look, the usage of marble in UK has been increased. As a result, today marble flooring is used for both interior and exterior flooring applications.
How to Use Whiteboard Paint in Your Home
By: Lisa Monte | 28/12/2009Chalkboard paint is a great way to accessorize and add some personality to several different rooms in your home. Although people typically think of chalkboard paint for a child's room, it actually can be utilized in other rooms of your home as well. Following are some unique ideas as to...
5 Ways to Make Your Bedroom a Peaceful Environment
By: Mike Arlen | 28/12/2009Most people want their bedroom to be a relaxing retreat from the craziness of the world, but many time it doesn't end up that way. Sometimes trouble relaxing and sleeping at night can be traced to the way the bedroom is decorated and organized. Following are some tips to keep...
How to Display Framed Art in Your Home
By: Sofia Ballast | 28/12/2009Do you have a favorite piece of art but you're not sure how to display it in your home? You have a couple of options to choose from. Don't settle with simply hanging the piece of art on the wall. Choose from one of these creative ways to display the...
What You Must Know About Vertical Blinds
By: Riky | 28/12/2009Sometimes you may get confuse in choosing the perfect vertical blind but there are four basic principles which will help you to find the best window treatment. Read the article to find those principles.
Magniwork Generator
By: Kevin Gianni | 28/12/2009Magniwork Generator
The Role of the Spider in Nature
By: Stephanie Larkin | 04/05/2008 | Home ImprovementPopular culture often gave the spider a bad reputation, but much of the ire toward them is undeserved. While some spiders can be dangerous to humans, they play an important part in almost every ecosystem.
The Differences Between Dampwood and Drywood Termites
By: Stephanie Larkin | 04/05/2008 | Home ImprovementDampwood and drywood termites will both destroy your home, if you let them. There are some important differences between the two types, however, that might affect the amount and type of damage done to your home, the best way of detecting an infestation, and the best removal methods.
The Big Three: Unmistakable Signs of Termite Trouble
By: Stephanie Larkin | 04/05/2008 | Home ImprovementWhen you purchased your current home, it was most likely inspected for termites. You would have received a document from an inspection company to certify that no active infestations were present when you bought the home. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean your home doesn't have termites.
Keeping Your House Free of Mice & Rodents
By: Stephanie Larkin | 04/05/2008 | Home ImprovementMice and rat infestation can be a serious problem. They can spoil and foul food, and spread disease. No one likes to share their homes with rodents. You throw out food, spend hours cleaning up their droppings and listen to them skittering in the walls and floorboards at all hours of the night. Here are some tips to help you keep your home mouse and rodent free.
Insect Bites – When Do They Become an Emergency?
By: Stephanie Larkin | 04/05/2008 | Home ImprovementMost of the time there is little to worry about when one is bitten or stung by an insect. These attacks often cause very few problems other than initial shock and pain.
All About Carpenter Ants - What They Do and How to Avoid Them
By: Stephanie Larkin | 04/05/2008 | Home ImprovementTermites are every homeowner's nightmare, but there's another insect that should also strike terror into the heart of the homeowner. Carpenter ants cause millions of dollars a year in damage to houses throughout the country, but they're not as well known as termites. If you live in an area that often has wet or damp conditions, or if there is a damp spot in your home, your house could be at risk from carpenter ants.
How to Identify a Brown Recluse Spider
By: Stephanie Larkin | 16/04/2008 | Home ImprovementThere are only two deadly poisonous spiders commonly found in North America. One of these spiders, the black widow, has made its way into popular culture with its distinctive look and fantastic name.
Tips to Keep Your Garage Pest-free
By: Stephanie Larkin | 15/04/2008 | Home ImprovementFor many city dwellers particularly, a garage is a luxury. If you are in the suburbs, the garage can be a place to store little used or seasonal items.