The more a homeowner knows about subterranean termites, the better they can protect their home. Termites are a well-known pest that can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damages. Controlling termites once they invade the home is also not an easy task. To help homeowners protect their home from termites, Animal Pest Management Services. Inc will share some essential facts about subterranean termites and some of the best control solutions.
Where Do Subterranean Termites Nest?
Subterranean termites are one of the more common species found throughout America and in the state of California. The subterranean termite is one of the smaller species of termite found in California, but they have some of the largest colonies. Subterranean termites require moisture and are sensitive to the heat. They will dig their nest or hive deep in the ground and dig out tunnels underground to their food sources. At times subterranean termites will breach the surface and will then create mud tunnels which provide some level of protection. Even when subterranean termites invade a home, they will still nest underground. Drywood or Dampwood termites can and do make their nest in and along the wood itself. Subterranean termites are mostly found outside, feasting on dead trees or wooden features outside. However, once a termite presence is established in the yard it will just be a matter of time before they make their way into the home.
Subterranean Termite Swarmers
Termite colonies will spread as a fertile queen will leave her home colony and look for a new nesting site. Queens often do not wander too far from her home colony. This is when infestation of the home often occurs. It is during the termite reproductive season that homeowners must work extra hard to protect their home. In California and due to our climate, the reproductive season for termites can last most of the year depending on the region. Another fact about subterranean termites is that the reproductive males and females, referred to as swarmers, have wings. After mating the male will die and the female will fly off looking for her own nesting site. Once she finds her new nest site, she will remove her wings and begin digging out a nest. It is the wings that can help provide a clue to the homeowner that termites have moved in.
Subterranean Termite Prevention
Termites love decaying wood, so to help reduce the chances of your home becoming a target, it is important to remove any wood in this category. You may need to remove old tree stumps, dead or dying trees, or unwanted wooden features. Decks, planters and other manmade wooden structures that is unkempt or simply decaying should be repaired or replaced. Never leave a wooden feature outside your home that is unsafe or no longer in use. Remove any wooden features that simply have no purpose. Next, keep all wood features outside the home properly protected. When termites are discovered it is important to take action. If possible, locate the site of the nest. You can then place termite bait near their foraging site. Termite traps can also be placed along the outer edge of the home. If termites come close to the home, they can be trapped before they cause serious damage. If termites are found inside the home, more serious measures must be taken.
Termite Inspections, Control, Treatment & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
For professional termite control, contact Animal Pest Management Services. Inc. We provide termite inspections and custom treatment plans to get rid of termites and keep them from coming back.
