Porotermes adamsoni, commonly known as the Common Dampwood Termite, is a native Australian species belonging to the family Termopsidae. Unlike subterranean termites that build extensive underground colonies, Porotermes adamsoni prefers to live and feed within moist, decaying timber.
This species is widespread throughout southern Australia and is especially common around Melbourne’s, where older gardens and established trees provide ideal conditions for their colonies.
Though they rarely attack sound timber or invade homes but when they do, they can be very challenging to manage as modern termiticides are not registered for their control and ultimately, structural changes and the remedying of the damp conditions is required. Understanding their habits is key to preventing unnecessary damage and identifying them correctly.
If you spot any of these warning signs, don’t wait – get in touch with Specialist Termite Control. Catching Coptotermes frenchi early is the best way to protect your home and avoid costly repairs down the track.
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The Common Dampwood Termite is suited to very moist environments and where there is a lot of decaying timber. In Melbourne, they are commonly found in gardens, parks and mature residential areas where there is damp wood readily available such as properties that have timber retaining walls or sleepers in contact with the soil, old stumps and fallen branches or heaps of firewood. They can also be found in decking or structural timber that has become chronically damp or has poor drainage.
They don’t build underground nests like the Coptotermes species. These termites stay in the timber they are feeding in so an infestation is usually localised and relatively easy to control once the affected timber is removed.
While Porotermes adamsoni can cause damage to timber, it’s important to note that this species rarely threatens sound, dry structures. Their activity is almost always restricted to timber that’s already compromised by moisture, rot, or fungal decay.
In most cases, they are considered secondary pests, following in the wake of water damage or poor building maintenance.
However, if damp conditions persist (such as from leaking plumbing, poor drainage, or water pooling under floors), colonies can gradually extend into structural timber, particularly if the wood remains wet for long periods.
Addressing moisture is therefore the most effective way to prevent or eliminate infestations. If you’re unsure whether your property might be at risk, book a free termite assessment today. Early detection can save you thousands in repairs.
While Porotermes adamsoni doesn’t bite or sting, its presence can indirectly affect indoor environments. Damp or decaying timber fosters mould growth, which can trigger asthma, allergies, and respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
Additionally, timber weakened by termite activity can lose its structural integrity, especially in decking, garden steps, or outdoor furniture, creating potential collapse hazards if left untreated.
Specialist Termite Control’s professional termite inspectors rely on moisture meters, sounding implements and a comprehensive visual inspection to determine the presence of dampwood termite activity. Given that Porotermes adamsoni do not leave the timber they are feeding on, chemical treatment is often not the answer.
Removal of affected timber (old sleepers, posts, stumps, etc) and dealing with the moisture problem they’re feeding on is most effective. Repairing leaks, clearing and diverting run off and improving ventilation are all steps in resolving the conditions that make it possible for colonies to exist. Replacement timber should be treated or use treated/composite alternatives.
Ongoing inspections and good moisture control can lead to effective and ongoing management of Porotermes adamsoni and other termite species.
With over 30 years of experience and more than 10,000 successful inspections, we are Melbourne’s trusted pest and termite inspection specialists. All this has led to us being awarded the National Specialist Pest Manager Of The Year and Victorian Pest Manager of the Year. As a fully licensed, accredited and insured, local family-run company, we have a deep understanding of Victoria’s environment and are committed to your termite protection.
With 35 years of experience, we’ve had exposure to over 3 decades of termites. Our team of fully insured, accredited and licensed termite treatment experts have successfully handled 1000+ termite jobs during this time. All this has led to us being awarded Pest Manager Of The Year in Victoria, proving that we know our stuff.
But don’t just take our word for it. See why our loyal customers choose us over the competition:
Think you have spotted termites in your home?
Use our free and easy to use online termite assessment tool to determine whether you have a termite infestation. Afterwards, if you’re still unsure, contact our termite removal experts and we’ll provide you with a free termite assessment at your property.
Call us on 1300 695 949 and put a stop to termites!
At Specialist Termite Control, we understand Melbourne’s local termite species (including the often-overlooked Porotermes adamsoni). Our licensed inspectors can assess your property, identify moisture-related risks, and provide practical recommendations to keep your home protected.
Whether you’re dealing with active dampwood termites or simply want reassurance, contact us today for an expert inspection and long-term prevention advice.
Call us on 1300 695 949 and put a stop to termites!
As part of our commitment to provide the most up-to-date advice for property owners about termites, we regularly update our blog with tips, tricks and termite guides that you can follow to stay protected property. Explore our most recent termite advice and guides below!
Porotermes adamsoni is an Australian native dampwood termite that feeds and lives in decaying, moist timber. It is commonly found in gardens, tree stumps and timber retaining walls and is widespread around Melbourne.
Not normally. They do not usually attack dry, sound timber or buildings. Problems may arise if a structure has areas of timber that remain damp for long periods because of leaking pipes or poor drainage.
Check for soft, crumbly timber or clean, smooth galleries in decaying timber. Evidence of coarse droppings or sightings of winged termites after rain are also good indications.
Moisture control is important. Removal of the affected timber and a repair to eliminate the cause of the dampness will provide the best long-term control. Chemical treatment alone will not control the termites.
No, they don’t bite or sting. However, the damp conditions that favour these termites can also encourage the growth of mould which can trigger allergies or asthma.
