Pacific Dampwood Termite

The Pacific Dampwood Termite (Zootermopsis angusticollis) is found throughout the west coast of the United States. They have large white wings and caramel-colored bodies with black mandibles. The termites attack all types of wood in their range and generally target wood in close contact with soils or water. Pacific Dampwood Termites play a crucial role in spreading wood decay fungi by carrying their spores in their guts and transporting them to other locations. They do have natural predators: house sparrows, swallows, swifts, European starlings, and ants. During early spring, look for piles of wings that indicate the termites have flown!