Dampwood Termite
Scientific Name: Zootermopsis angusticollis
Order & Family: Order: Blattodea; Family: Archotermopsidae
Size: Nymphs and workers are about 1/2 to 5/8 inch (12-16 mm); reproductive alates can reach up to 1 inch (25 mm) including wings.
Natural Habitat
They are typically found in wood with high moisture content, such as rotting logs, stumps, and wood in contact with damp soil.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on cellulose found in damp, decaying wood and require high moisture levels to survive.
Behavior Patterns
Unlike other termites, they do not require contact with soil but do need constant moisture. They live in social colonies with a caste system including workers, soldiers, and reproductives.
Risks & Benefits
They can cause significant structural damage to homes if there is untreated wood in contact with moisture. However, in the ecosystem, they are beneficial as they help decompose rotting wood and recycle nutrients back into the soil.
Identified on: 5/1/2026