Termites are found all throughout California and are a risk for homeowners. The 3 different species of termites found in California include:
- Drywood termites (3/8 – 1 inch long)
- Dampwood termites (1/2 – 5/8 inch long)
- Subterranean termites (1/8 inch long)
California homes are prone to all 3 types of termites, with drywood and subterranean being the ones most commonly responsible for home damage. There are differences between each termite species.
The biggest threat to California homes is a specific species of subterranean termites called Formosan termites. This species is capable of supporting colonies in homes under ideal conditions and do not require access to soil in order to survive.
Termite season in California
There are specific times of the year where termites breed and form new colonies. Due to the variety of species found in California, termite swarms occur all throughout the year with the Fall being a high period for most species.
Keep in mind, factors like rain, dryness and temperatures determine when and where a specific type of termite swarms.
A termite swam is recognizable by a large number of flying termites which look similar to flying ants. The primary purpose of breeding season is for female termites to find suitable male mates and establish their own colonies. New colonies are often formed close to the original colony, so it is possible to have numerous termite colonies in a small area.
Protecting homes in California from termites
There are several effective termite control methods used to protect homes in California from termite infestations.
First you will need a whole house inspection by one of our qualified termite identification specialist. He examines the entire house and checks the structure, crawl spaces, attics, and other areas for signs of termite colonies within the home. After the inspection, he makes the most appropriate recommendations for protecting the home.
In cases where termites have already taken up residence within a California home, the first step to protecting the home is eradicating the current termite colonies. Treatment plans involve applying various products designed to quickly kill termites, while also using proactive preventive measures to prevent colonies from being re-established within the home.
Further, infected homes could require structural wood repairs, depending upon the extent of damage caused by the termite colonies. Any damaged wood replaced with new wood needs to be properly treated with an effective termite prevention product like Bora-Care®.
Termite treatments available in California
The most common treatments involve using various chemical formulations to kill termites, ranging from repellents to non-repellents, such as:
The products required to treat a home related to the species of termites currently infecting the home, as well as other species found where the home is located in California.
In addition to these products, there is a special type of insulation, called TAP, made from recycled paper with borate-based pest control to protect against termites, ants, cockroaches, and several other crawling insects.
Request a termite inspection if you have any termite species
Whether you have drywood termites, dampwood termites or subterranean termites in your house, you should contact Pacific Coast Termite today. You can 1-800-PACIFIC (1-800-722-4342) or complete our inspection form online.