Page 86 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

DAMPWOOD TERMITE DAMPWOOD TERMITE
NYMPH SOLDIER

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
DAMPWOOD TERMITE-EGGS DAMPWOOD TERMITE

CARPENTER ANT

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- fewer than 22 segments 6.Thorax DAMPWOOD TERMITE
2.Eyes- 2 7.Petiole- none SOLDIER
3.Head - large 8.Abdomen 1
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- brownish 8
5.Wings- 2 pair, on alates only 10.Other- found in logs, stumps,
dead trees
Life Cycle
Swarming occurs in late spring to early winter, especially after periods
of rain. The female creates an opening in wood, the male enters, and 3
around two weeks later about a dozen eggs are laid. A second batch of 4
eggs are laid later in the year. Nymphs eventually emerge and become
soldiers or reproductives. Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

DAMPWOOD TERMITE Actual size 1/2”

Dampwood termites will often be seen swarming during the late spring and on into the early
winter, depending upon the species. Despite the name, they will attack any wood, although
they prefer wood that has been subject to moisture and decay, especially if there is no contact
with the ground. Some will even form colonies in trees. Dampwood termites often work their
way upward from ground level, eventually reaching the roof rafters. There are only two castes-
-soldiers and reproductives, the work of the colony is actually done by the nymphs. A colony
may have up to 4,000 individuals.

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