Seattle homeowners face a unique challenge: dampwood termites. Unlike subterranean termites that invade through the soil, dampwood termites prefer water damaged wood and thrive in the Pacific Northwest’s moist climate. Crawl spaces, leaky basements, and wooden decks are some of their favorite targets.
Why Dampwood Termites Are a Seattle Problem
- Moisture: Constant rain and damp conditions make homes ideal for infestations.
- Hidden Damage: Dampwood termites live deep inside wood, making them hard to detect until the structure is weakened.
- Bigger Colonies: They don’t rely on soil contact, so they can expand rapidly through attics, basements, and siding.
(Related: Seattle Termite Inspections for Homeowners catch dampwood infestations early before damage spreads.)
Common Signs of Dampwood Termites
- Soft, spongy, or water stained wood around your home
- Large, winged termites swarming near lights at night
- Piles of frass (termite droppings) near baseboards or decks
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
(See also: Carpenter Ant Inspections in Seattle another wood destroying pest often found in the same damp conditions.)
Professional Dampwood Termite Treatments
DIY termite sprays won’t eliminate dampwood termites. Our Seattle termite exterminators use a proven, multi-step process:
- Inspection: Identify termite activity, moisture sources, and damage.
- Direct Treatment: Apply safe, targeted products into galleries and nesting areas.
- Moisture Control: Recommend and implement repairs (fixing leaks, improving ventilation, sealing cracks).
- Prevention: Long-term monitoring and seasonal inspections to prevent reinfestation.
(Related: Seattle Termite Damage Repair Services restore structural integrity after termites are removed.)
Protect Your Seattle Home from Dampwood Termites
If you’ve noticed soft, water damaged wood or swarming termites, don’t wait until the structure becomes unsafe. Dampwood termites are a serious threat in the Pacific Northwest, but professional treatment can eliminate the colony and protect your investment.
(Explore: Seattle Termite Exterminators for full-home protection from all types of termites.)