Pacific dampwood termites are large native termites that attack wet, decaying wood. They are the most common termite in western Washington and infest Whidbey and Fidalgo homes wherever chronic moisture and wood meet.
How to identify dampwood termites
Among the largest termites, with soldiers up to 3/4 inch and reddish heads; winged reproductives are large and swarm in late summer and fall. They pack galleries with fecal pellets rather than mud tubes.
Behavior & season on Whidbey & Fidalgo
They require high-moisture wood and do not build the soil tubes subterranean termites use. In our climate they target leaking, ground-contact, and poorly ventilated wood, swarming on warm fall evenings.
Why dampwood termites are a problem
They excavate large galleries in moisture-damaged structural wood and signal a serious underlying water problem. Left unaddressed, both the termites and the decay progressively weaken the structure.
Signs of dampwood termites activity
- Large winged termites swarming in late summer or fall
- Fecal pellets pushed from galleries
- Damage in wet, leaking, or ground-contact wood
- Galleries in framing near persistent moisture
How Salty Dog treats dampwood termites
We treat infested wood and, critically, correct the moisture source — leaks, drainage, ventilation, and wood-to-ground contact — since dampwood termites cannot survive in dry wood. Learn more about our Wood-Destroying Pest Treatment service, or browse the full Pest Library.
Reviewed by Matthew — Salty Dog Pest Control. WSDA-licensed structural pest applicator (License #101709). Veteran- and family-owned, serving Whidbey Island, Fidalgo Island, and west Skagit County.
Frequently asked questions
Are dampwood termites as bad as subterranean termites?
They need wet wood and cannot survive in dry, sound lumber, so fixing moisture is often decisive — but active infestations still cause real damage.
What attracts them to my home?
Chronic moisture: leaks, poor drainage, condensation, and wood touching soil. Remove the water and you remove their habitat.
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