Dampwood, drywood, and subterranean termites are all present throughout Southern California. Most termites are a year round problem, though during the colder months they often retreat into warmer places to survive. Termites are a detriment to any home or business, as it usually takes the owners years to see the damage. However, knowing the basics of termites in general can help people identify an infestation and hire professional services early to ensure the termites are effectively eliminated. We at Animal Pest Management would like to share the basics concerning termites to help in early detection.
Where Do Termites Live in the House?
Living in large colonies and feeding on organic matter, termites are tiny social insects. Termites are more drawn to wood and paper. They average about 3/8 of an inch-long. Subterranean termites prefer to actually live in nearby moist soil. Often, these termites are found close to the foundation or other areas where the moisture from air conditioning condensation, pipe drippings, or close to gutter outlets.
Caste Colony System in Termites
Most termite colonies consist of workers, soldiers, swarmers (reproductive termites that eventually leave the current colony to establish a new one), and the king and queen. Kings and queens are responsible for reproducing and are protected by the rest of the colony, soldiers protect the colony from predators, and workers do everything from foraging to building the galleries, or tunnels, and taking care of the younglings and all the other members of the colony.
Signs of Termites in Home & Yard
There are many signs that suggest you have termites. Swarmers flying around the home, typically in late spring or early summer are noticed, they shed their wings once they found a place to begin the colony. Seeing a swarm suggests that an active infestation is nearby as they do not typically fly too far from their colony. They are also attracted to lights during the evening hours. Another red flag is hollow mud shelter tubes termites use to travel from their food supply to their nest. Damaged wood, which can be a challenge to detect because the burrow in the wood deeply. Their damage can sometimes be visible on the exterior surface. Little holes may be present, evidence of saw dust, or testing the area to feel hollowness. Termites will also leave droppings behind that look like tiny wood pellets. A pest manifestation is discovering paper-covered insulation has been tunneled through. They lead to the wooden piers and though the paper has nutritional value, they love to eat it. Termites do not only infest homes and businesses, but other structures and areas as well. Termites can be devouring the following for a few examples:
– Fencing, mostly around the ground level.
– Playscapes, patios, or decks.
– Roofing, particularly under shingles.
– Foundations.
– Landscapes; including in shrubs and trees. They are prone to dying or dead trees and plants, making them look obviously unhealthy.
– Siding.
– Wood mulch, firewood, or other piles of building materials.
Termite Pest Inspection, Control, Removal & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
If you suspect termites, or know a neighboring home or business is dealing with an infestation, call Animal Pest Management and let our specialists determine if you have termites and if so, we can ensure to effectively remove them from the property. Contact us to schedule a termite inspection today!
