Termites are destructive and can be a massive annoyance around the house and other properties in Berthoud. It is essential that you keep an eye out for these little beings. They can fool you easily, and you can think that you do not have them even when you do. 

Termites infest homes to get the cellulose from different wooden structures. There are some really subtle signs of their infestation that can help you know about their presence. However, you will have to pay close attention, or else you will miss it. 

It is said that you only get to detect their presence after much damage has already been caused. Thus, make sure you are not missing the early signs of their infestation. 

Termites are somewhat yellowish-cream in color and move in colonies. If you see even around your home, know that their entire colony must be nearby. Click to view more details about these creatures.

What do you know about dampwood termites?

You must be aware that there are different types of termites, including subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites, among the common ones. Dampwood termites can be found in moist areas, and if the wood is rotting, you can find them there as well. These termites are much larger in size than subterranean and drywood termites. 

They can be 1 inch in length. They are also known to feed on cellulose present in the woods. However, they prefer to stay in areas that provide them with enough moisture, as it is hospitable for them to live in. Therefore, they like to live in damp wood, as you might have already guessed by its name. 

How can you identify dampwood termites?

There are various ways to identify these termites. We will look at some of the ways below:

Color:

They are commonly seen to be brown in color. However, they can range from dark to light brown. They can even be reddish in color, as seen near their abdominal region. The younger ones, which are nymphs, are cream in color instead.

Size:

They are considered to be the largest among the different species found in North America. However, their colony is the opposite; it is among the smallest colonies of other termites. The queens and kings in the caste system are about 5/8 inches in length. Soldier termites can grow upto ¾ inches in length. 

Wings:

When termites are swarming, they prefer to discard their wings, which you might notice around your house. If you see the discarded wings on your doorstep, they must have already made it inside your home. They also have wings on both the front and back. Furthermore, the wings are equal in size. 

Body:

Their bodies are segmented and are divided into three parts: there is a smaller head, and then there is a larger segment. The larger segment consists of the abdomen and thorax. 

Antennas:

These termites also possess antennae on their head. They come out of their head segment. 

What is their behavior and habitat like?

They need to stay in touch with water on a regular basis. These creatures also require high humidity in order to survive. This is something that may help you distinguish them from the drywood termite. They also prefer living inside the wood that they are feeding on. 

Since they have cryptic behavior, it will take years for you to discover their presence. They also prefer infesting trees that are already dead, stumps, etc. They have intestines that help them to digest food. 

Save your home from termites!

There are various ways that you can employ to safeguard your home from termites. They can make your home a living hell if you do not do anything about their infestation. As soon as you see even one of these inside your home, contact a pest control company. 

Professionals can locate the site of infestation and thereby eliminate it on time. Leaving a termite infestation will only cost you more in the long run.