Dampwood Termites Will Spread Their Feces Around Your House

Eastern subterranean termites are the most common termites in the United States. These termites cause the greatest amount of damage to homes, and they are found in every state except for Alaska. Dampwood termites are not as well known as their subterranean relatives, but they can easily infest homes as well. Unlike subterranean termites, dampwood termites do not build mud tubes from the ground in order to access a home. Dampwood termites come into contact with houses only when the wood from a house makes direct contact with soil. However, most dampwood termites do not inhabit soil; instead, these termites reside mainly within damp wood logs. Obviously, subterranean termites are the most common termite pests because their mud tubes make them more inventive when it comes to accessing houses. If a home is found to be infested with termites, then there is a ninety percent chance that the invading termites are subterranean. The widespread hatred that so many people have for termites is due to the subterranean termites house-destroying activities. However, a dampwood termite infestation can be just as traumatic for homeowners. In fact, due to the disgusting nature of dampwood termite behavior, homeowners may find these termites to be much more problematic than subterranean termites.

Luckily, preventing dampwood termite infestations can be a relatively easy task, as these termites are attracted to water damaged wood. Making sure your home is free of water damaged wood, especially when such wood is in contact with soil, is necessary in order to prevent dampwood termite infestations. Also, do not bring damp wood into your home for any reason. Examples of damp wood often brought into homes include firewood and wooden furniture that had been left outdoors. Having a dampwood termite infestation can be dangerous for homeowners. The mass amounts of fecal matter involved with dampwood termite nest-building has to be the most negative aspect of a home infestation.

Dampwood termites build their nests out of their own feces. These poop-nests, if you will, can be hard to detect because they do not smell like you would expect. According to entomologist Michael Scharf, of Purdue University, the dampwood termite nest smells “smoky.” In case you begin to smell something smokey in your home, and cannot find the source, consider the possibility of a dampwood termite infestation. This idea is especially worth considering if you live within the Pacific northwest region of the United States, as dampwood termites are more common in this area. Calling a pest control professional once your house begins to smell smokey can prevent dampwood termites from turning your home into their own personal toilet.

Have you ever smelled something peculiar in your home, but could not pinpoint the source? If you have, did you eventually discover that the cause of the mysterious odor was the result of an insect presence?