Termite Identification & Prevention

Termites are social insects that live in colonies. Each termite colony divides its members into three castes — workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Worker termites are the largest caste; they help build and maintain the nest, care for the young, and forage for food. Soldiers protect the nest and help with nest maintenance.

Reproductive termites produce more colony members. When a termite colony has matured, winged reproductive (termite swarmers) emerge from the nest to find a mate and a suitable location to build a new nest.

Here in our region of California, we need to guard our homes against two kinds of termites; subterranean termites and drywood termites.

Subterranean termites have high moisture needs and like to feed on wet or decaying wood. These termites nest in areas of damp soil and travel to their found food sources daily. Subterranean termite colonies are large and contain hundreds of thousands of members, and they are the most common species living across the United States.

On the other hand, drywood termites live together in smaller colonies with numbers in the hundreds or thousands. Drywood termites are very efficient feeders and nest within the wood they feed on. These termites have low moisture needs and invade dry, sound pieces of wood.

Termites are dangerous to have nesting and feeding where we live. Termites feed on cellulose found in trees and wooden materials, and as they feed, they destroy its structural integrity.

If termites get into a home and you don't get rid of them quickly, over time, they can cause severe damage to its structure that is time-consuming and difficult to repair. A not-so-fun fact about termites is that they are responsible for generating billions of dollars in damages across the U.S. each year.

Preventing termites from finding their way to your property is essential since most home insurance companies will not cover termite damage.

When termites live outside, away from people, they are not a problem; in fact, they play an essential role as natural recyclers. They help to remove decaying wood, leaving room for new plant growth.

However, when living near people and our structures, termites are a problem. As they are out searching for nesting and foraging sites, these tiny insects can easily move into our homes.

Subterranean termites move through the soil or create mud tubes above the ground to maintain their moisture needs and stay out of view of predators. They commonly enter our homes through small cracks and crevices they discover in the foundation as they travel. Pieces of wood sitting directly on top of the ground also provide an entryway into structures.

Drywood termites most commonly enter our homes inside wood or wooden furniture already infested with adults or their eggs. They can also get in through vents, gaps under doors, and other openings in your home's exterior.

When termites are in our homes, they spend their time in areas that put them in direct contact with their food source; wood. Termites are known as "silent invaders" because of their ability to move into our homes without notice and stay for long periods before we realize they're there.

Since termites live and feed on the interior portion of wood, we don't typically "see" termites. They aren't like ants that move across the surfaces of our homes, searching for crumbs and spills.

Some of the most common places we discover termite activity include structural wood, wooden floor joists, ceiling beams, floorboards, wooden furniture, and wood cabinets.

Termites are pests that require the expertise of a professional to find, identify, and eliminate them from our California properties. Both subterranean and drywood termites cause damage to our structures, but they have very different nesting and feeding habits. Knowing which has infiltrated your home is critical to effectively treating and removing these pests.

At The Termite Guy, our professionals will accurately identify the termites on your property and provide the treatments necessary to eliminate the infestation. We will offer you the long-term support needed to prevent future issues with these destructive pests.

If subterranean or drywood termites ever find their way to your home, you can count on us to completely remove the infestation. For exceptional termite prevention and termite control in Orange, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties, call The Termite Guy!

You can take several steps around your property and home to make it less comfortable for termites. Use the following termite prevention tips to help guard your property against destructive termites:

• Reduce excess moisture in your home that will attract subterranean termites by replacing damaged roof shingles, repairing leaky pipes, and replacing damaged weatherstripping around windows and doors. 
• Maintain at least an 18-inch barrier between any soil or mulch and your foundation.
• Store woodpiles or wood construction materials away from the outside walls of your home.
• Inspect wooden furniture, flooring, and other wooden items you bring into your home for holes in the exterior.

If you notice mud tubes on your foundation or basement walls, bubbling paint, or any wood damage, immediately contact a termite professional. For termite control near you, call The Termite Guy today.