Scientific Name: Zootermopsis nevadensis
This termite belongs to the family Hodotermitidae.
Distribution in the U.S.
The Nevada dampwood termite is found in the mountains of northern Nevada, Idaho and Montana, as well as the Sierra Nevada region, northern coast of California, Oregon and Washington.
Behavior
There are three Zootermopsis species of termites, and they are sometimes called rottenwood termites because they attack wood with very high moisture content. These termites often nest in buried wood, but soil contact is not required.
Nevada dampwood termites behave similarly to Pacific dampwood termites and even live in many of the same places.
Do Nevada Dampwood Termites Damage Homes?
Occasionally, Nevada dampwood termites infest homes and can cause significant damage. Experts typically find infestations near fence posts, wood siding in contact with the ground and leaks close to the ground (such as downspouts). However, the moisture content of housing structures is usually too low to interest this termite. In addition, these Nevada termites are not common in highly populated areas.
When they do infest homes, moisture control should be your first priority. Targeted treatments can be used to control a colony more quickly or in the event that the moisture issue cannot be resolved effectively.
What Do Nevada Dampwood Termites Look Like?
Kings, queens and alates can be up to 3/4 inch long and are dark brown with brown wings.
Nymphs are cream colored and have spots on their abdomens.
Soldiers have flat brown or yellowish-brown heads with large, dark-colored jaws.
When Do Nevada Dampwood Termites Swarm?
Where they occur at higher elevations, Nevada dampwood termites swarm in spring. In coastal areas, they tend to swarm in summer and early fall.