What are termites?
Termites are one of the most destructive pests that homeowners have to deal with. They move into our homes and businesses without our knowledge and work day and night for months or years, feeding on and destroying the wood within. Though they are tiny in size, you can believe the hype that comes with these pests; they are responsible for causing over five billion dollars in damage across the country each year!
In California, we are unlucky enough to regularly deal with not one but two different species of termites, both with descriptive names that tell us a bit about them. Subterranean termites nest in damp soil, preferring to feed on damp, decaying, or otherwise water-damaged wood. They have very high moisture needs. On the other hand, drywood termites have much lower moisture needs and prefer to feed on dry or sound wood; they nest within the wood they are feeding on.
Are termites dangerous?
Termites aren’t pests that directly threaten people, but they are certainly dangerous to our structures. These tiny insects can cause major damage to wooden structures because of their large colonies, ability to work together, and strong chewing mouthparts.
The termite’s primary food source is cellulose; when living outside, this means feeding on fallen trees, tree stumps, leaf litter, and other sources of wood and organic debris. However, inside, they feed on and destroy our home’s structural wood, wood trim, roof rafters, wooden furniture, and antiques.
Why do I have a termite problem?
Termites have become a problem on your property because it offers them a source of food and, in the case of subterranean termites, a source of moisture.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture. Things like very wet soil, leaking pipes, and poor basement or crawl space ventilation provide the water these pests are seeking. After being attracted to the exterior of your home by sources of moisture, their main entry points include spaces in the foundation, openings around pipes or cables, or wood trim making direct contact with the damp ground. Subterranean termites don’t travel far from their nests, about 130 feet, so if termites are in your home, a nest is nearby.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites move into homes in various ways through foundations, vents, gaps around windows and doors, damaged trim, and in or along the roof. They do not require contact with soil because drywood termites get all their required moisture from the wood they live in. If needed, drywood termites will migrate miles to find suitable food and water sources.
Where Are Termites Commonly Found?
It tends to be a bit easier to discover damage caused by drywood termites than by subterranean termites. When drywood termites infest wooden structures or other pieces of wood, they create tiny but visible holes to push their dropping through; the droppings will pile up on the ground and look like coffee grounds.
Subterranean termites can be a bit more difficult to find, as they are usually in the soil or the interior of the wood they're feeding on. The easiest way to identify an infestation by these termites is by finding the mud tubes they create to travel through. They are about the width of a pencil and are found on the ground and running up walls and foundation walls.
Termites swarms are another way to identify a termites infestation. A termite swarm occurs when winged reproductive members “swarm” from a mature colony to find a mate and begin a new colony. Witnessing a swarm of flying termites or seeing piles of their wings indicates that a nest is nearby, and you need to take action to find and eliminate them.
How do I get rid of termites?
In order to protect your property from termite damage, it is best to be proactive and partner with a professional. At HomeShield Pest Control, protecting our customers, their families, and their homes from pests like termites is our top priority. We offer termite inspection and treatment services along with our regular pest control services. If you live in the Sacramento Valley or Southern California area and would like to learn more about working together to protect your home and property from termites, call us today at (714) 702-1058!
How can I prevent termites in the future?
Below are some of our most helpful termite prevention tips to protect your California yard and home from the termites that call our region home.
- Use rain gutters and keep them free of debris to ensure that rainwater is being directed away from your home and not seeping into your roofline or exterior walls.
- Place weatherstripping around windows and doors to keep moisture out of your house.
- Repair cracks or other openings in the foundation, exterior walls, or roofline of your home.
- Keep basements or crawl spaces dry using dehumidifiers.
- Quickly repair leaky pipes or fixtures.
- Clear your yard of wooden construction debris, fallen trees, tree stumps, and woodpiles that termites will want to feed on.
- Paint or stain exposed wood on and in your home.
- Limit soil to wood contact on your property.
- Inspect lumber, landscaping, wood flooring, wooden furniture, and other wooden items before bringing them onto your property or into your house.
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Why Our Customers Love Us
HomeShield Pest Control received an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars from over 8000+ reviews.
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Thank you Home Shield Team!!“My family has tried a few companies in the past but nothing compares to our experience with Home Shield. Every issue we had they handled, and quickly! We had rodent, spider and ant issues and they found the solution. My wife also prefers all organic products and they offered that option as well -- hard to find. Everyone is friendly and professional. The management team and accounting is top notch. I dealt directly with Mike Turner (manager) and he was incredibly thoughtful and helpful. Took time and answered all questions and made me feel confident in the process and outcome. Would recommend to friends and family. Thank you Home Shield Team!!”- Alex S.
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very professional company with good communication!“I contracted with HomeShield about a year ago to handle pest control on two properties. I would gladly recommend them as a reliable very professional company with good communication!
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Excellent service“Excellent service. Very thorough and took the time to walk me through everything
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Another great service“Another great service by Carlos (Andres)...and trainee, Edgar.”- Elliot S.
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’ve always had a great and transparent experience with HomeShield“My technician, Brandon, was very thorough and methodical on placement of a variety of traps, sprays, and dehydrators depending on the current need. He always walks through the home making note of entry points, areas of excess humidity, and helps me understand what it is he is using and what it is targeted for. I’ve always had a great and transparent experience with HomeShield and will continue being their customer in the years to come!”- Kristina N.
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Michael is always on time, polite, and professional“Michael is always on time, polite, and professional. He texts when he is on his way and once he arrives, so that we may make sure our dog is inside.
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Professional“Professional and personable at the same time. Perfect mix
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Would recommend this company!“
Braden was my tech today. He showed up on time (within his window) and called beforehand so I wasn't sitting around all day, which I appreciate. He wore booties upon entering my home and was kind and courteous, knowledgeable and funny. Pretty much an easy experience. He was very thorough in his assessment. Noticed stuff I had missed. Pricing was very decent too. Would recommend this company!
”- Stina I.
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