California Termite Control, Inspection, & Treatment

Termites Are A Year-Round Threat For California Homeowners

In California, termites swarm during the spring. However, they are a year-round threat. If you see what appears to be flying ants (often winged termites) or mud tubes (literal tubes of mud) on your foundation or in the garage, there is a good chance you are dealing with termites and you should seek treatment options immediately. This will give you the best chance to avoid termite damage or at least stop it before it gets worse.

The best way to keep these insects out of your structure is to:

• Be vigilant for winged termites and mud tubes.
• Schedule annual inspections.
• Have an annual pest control plan or service that protects your home or business from infestation.

Luckily, HomeShield can help! We provide free annual termite inspections with our pest control service and also offer termite control treatment plans in California and the surrounding areas for homes or businesses already infested. Call us today to control or protect against termite infestation.

Please visit our Florida Termite Control page for information regarding termite services in Florida.

Effective Drywood and Subterranean Termite Treatment Options

Termites are one of the most destructive pests a homeowner can face, but not all are alike. Two main types of termites commonly found in the area include drywood and subterranean. Each type has unique behaviors, habitats, and treatment needs, making it vital to understand their differences to tackle infestations effectively.

Drywood termites live in dry wood, infesting furniture, flooring, and structural wood without needing soil. They extract moisture from the wood they eat and are often light brown or creamy white. Living entirely within wood, they’re hard to detect until severe damage occurs, leaving behind small piles of frass (wood-colored droppings). 

Subterranean termites, however, depend on moist soil, building underground colonies and mud tubes to reach wood. These pale termites are highly destructive, as their large colonies can weaken a home's foundation, beams, and walls. Early detection is key, as both types can cause severe damage.

Tailoring treatments to the termite type helps effectively address infestations and prevent future damage. 

Termite Treatment Options Available

Effective termite control depends on the extent of the infestation, the type of termites, and your unique needs. That’s why we offer two primary treatment options—tent fumigation and localized treatments—to provide maximum protection and peace of mind. By focusing on proactive prevention, active monitoring, and tailored treatment plans, we help keep your home termite-free.

Tent fumigation is a whole-structure treatment method that reaches even hidden, hard-to-access areas. We completely enclose your home using specialized tarps or tents. Then, we introduce a gas fumigant penetrating the wood, cracks, and crevices where termites often hide. 

Smaller or isolated infestations don’t always require the scale of tent fumigation. That’s where localized treatments come in. These precision-focused treatments target only the affected areas, allowing for efficient termite elimination without disrupting your daily routine.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Drywood and Subterranean Termites

Addressing termite issues is about selecting the right approach for the specific termite species wreaking havoc on your property. Drywood and subterranean termites have distinct behaviors and habitats, which call for tailored strategies for eradication and long-term protection.

Treating Drywood Termites with Tent Fumigation

Drywood termites often hide deep within wooden structures, remaining undetected until significant damage is done. Tent fumigation effectively eradicates termites throughout the home, including hidden colonies in walls, flooring, and furniture. The process involves sealing the structure with tarps and introducing a gas fumigant that penetrates wood and crevices. Tent fumigation is thorough and ideal for large or deeply embedded infestations.

Combating Subterranean Termites with Liquid Treatments and Baiting Systems

Subterranean termites build underground colonies and use mud tunnels to access food. Their biology requires specific control methods to eliminate nests and prevent re-infestations. 

Two effective options are liquid treatments and baiting systems, which can work separately or together: 

• Liquid Treatments: Applied to the soil around your home’s foundation, these treatments create a chemical barrier to stop termites from entering. This method can eliminate active infestations and help prevent future ones. 
• Baiting Systems: Bait stations placed around your property lure termites with a cellulose-based food mixed with a slow-acting insecticide. Foraging termites carry the bait back to the colony, eliminating workers and queens. 

Pre-Construction Treatments

The only thing worse than termite damage is how late it’s discovered: usually only when you’re trying to buy or sell a home, or when catastrophic damage has occurred. Because it’s seldom covered by homeowners insurance, it leaves home and property owners on the hook if termites happen to find them.

Pre-Construction treatments from HomeShield Pest Control can start your new construction off on the right foot. Eliminate active termites on your property while creating a protective barrier around it for the future and removing many of the conducive conditions that attract them in the first place. Contact us for more information about how our pre-construction treatments can termite-proof your new property.

Contact us online or give us a call at (888) 720-3618 to schedule an appointment for our termite control services in Sacramento today!