In the eastern U.S., the Dampwood Termites (Neotermes) are physically the largest and are found only in Florida.  These termites require high humidity and regular contact with free water to survive.   Unlike subterranean termites, they do not forage in the soil.  As with most termites, they will swarm several times a year to establish new colonies.  These flights usually will occur at night.  They are fairly strong fliers and are attracted to lights at night.  If they find their way indoors through a open window or door, they are usually doomed as they will not find the moist wood they need to survive.

Structural infestations of dampwood termites require a source of free water.  We therefore need to pay attention to leaks or places where wood is exposed to soil contact.  Leaks in the roof or water from sprinklers contacting the wood trim around windows or wood house siding need to be corrected by the home owner.  Once the source of moisture is removed, the dampwood termite colony will die.