WSU CAHNRS and WSU Extension

Pestsense

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Pest
(factsheet)
Pest NameDescription 
TermitesTermitesThere are two native termites in our area: The dampwood termite and the subterranean termite. The dampwood termite lives and feeds in wet or rotting wood. It does not nest in dry sound wood. Dampwood termites are actually an indicator of a prior problem, like wood-soil contact which sets up the ideal habitat for nesting. The dampwood termite is our largest termite, the winged forms (orange brown) being about 3/4 inch long (including wings), while the whitish workers are about 1/2 inch long. Subterranean termites are small. The winged forms are black and about 3/8 inch long (including wings). The workers are grayish white and about 1/4 inch long. This termite lives in the soil and migrates to wood sources. Subterranean termites commonly attack sound wood in homes and can be very damaging. Dampwood termites swarm in late summer or fall especially after rains. The subterranean termites may swarm any time of the year.