Pacific dampwood termite

The Pacific dampwood termite (Zootermopsis angusticollis) belongs to the order Blattodea and the family Termopsidae. It is recognized as one of the largest termite species in the Pacific coastal region, posing a significant challenge to both forestry management and structural timber integrity.

These pests primarily infest damp, decaying wood, particularly softwoods. In nature, they thrive in rotting logs, stumps, and dead standing trees. However, they are known to attack human-made structures, especially those that provide the high-moisture conditions necessary for their survival and colony expansion.

The biology of Zootermopsis angusticollis is strictly tied to wood moisture content. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not require a connection to the soil to thrive, provided the wood remains wet. The colony consists of specialized castes, including nymphs that act as workers, soldiers with large mandibles, and reproductive alates responsible for swarm events.

Damage caused by these termites is characterized by large, smooth-walled galleries carved deep into the wood. Because they often consume the inner parts of the wood while leaving the outer layer intact, structural failure can occur before the infestation is visually detected. Their fecal pellets, which are distinctively hex-shaped, are a primary indicator of their presence.

Prevention and control strategies focus heavily on moisture management. Eliminating water sources, ensuring proper ventilation in crawl spaces, and replacing wood in contact with soil are critical steps. In severe cases, chemical treatments such as localized injections of insecticides or whole-structure fumigation may be required to eliminate established colonies.