Hydra Pest Control

    Arizona species

    Desert dampwood termite

    Paraneotermes simplicicornis

    Usually a pest of wet wood in damp soil. Structural trouble is uncommon unless wood stays wet from leaks or irrigation.

    Desert dampwood termite soldier with a dark plug-shaped head
    Photo: Jake Nitta, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist
    Low

    Source: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Arizona Termites of Economic Importance (AZ1369)

    How to identify

    • Soldiers have short dark reddish heads.
    • Stout jaws on the soldier caste.
    • Found inside moist wood touching damp soil.
    Size
    Size varies by caste, larger than small subterranean workers.
    Habitat
    Wet fence posts, landscape timbers and roots in damp soil.
    Where in Arizona
    Desert areas with damp soil and moist buried wood.

    Look-alikes

    Desert subterranean termite workers and a soldier with a long yellow head on soil

    Desert subterranean termite

    Heterotermes aureus

    Moderate
    Western drywood termite swarmer with reddish head and dark smoky wings

    Western drywood termite

    Incisitermes minor

    Moderate
    Desert termite workers and yellow-headed soldiers on soil

    Desert termite

    Gnathamitermes (G. perplexus)

    Low

    Prevention

    • Fix plumbing leaks.
    • Keep wood off wet soil.
    • Redirect irrigation away from wood.
    • Replace persistently wet landscape timbers.

    Call Hydra if termites appear in wet structural wood or repeatedly damage fence posts. Our Service Pros can help identify the activity.

    When to call Hydra

    Call or text us, we answer both. Or send us your details and we'll come back with a free quote.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Is it usually a structural pest?

    No. Structural damage is uncommon unless leaks or irrigation keep wood wet.

    What helps prevent it?

    Fix leaks and keep wood away from damp soil.