Termites are a common pest in Southern California. Despite the fact that termites are common, many homeowners do not know the basics of how to spot signs of termite activity and identify the different types of termites. Two of the types of termites that are found in California are drywood termites and subterranean termites. Drywood termites can create colonies of up to 3,000 and often cause damage to the wood framing in attics. In California, you also need to be on the lookout for signs of subterranean termites. Subterranean termites are also destructive pests but they differ from drywood termites in some important ways. Keep reading to learn more about subterranean termites so you can protect your home from the damage they can cause.
What are subterranean termites?
Subterranean termites often enter properties from below and build colonies in soil. These termites can live in huge colonies – up to 20,000 termites. A large subterranean termite colony can eat away at the wood of your home around the clock. One type of subterranean termite that is found in Southern California – Reticulitermes hesperus – can cause damage almost 80 times more quickly than drywood termites. You must take quick action against subterranean termites because of their capacity to cause damage to your home.
Is my home at risk for a subterranean termite infestation?
Your California home is at risk for a subterranean termite infestation. These termites are active throughout California and can survive as long as they have access to their food source. Any home in the area with wood in the construction is potentially at risk for a subterranean termite infestation. Subterranean termites typically enter structures from below so If there are any areas around your home where the foundation is damaged or wood is touching the ground, subterranean termites will likely be able to find their way in.
What type of damage can subterranean termites cause?
Subterranean termites can cause extensive damage to the wood of your home. As mentioned above, these termites typically enter homes from below and start causing damage to the wood under the structures. The wood used in the foundation of your home is at risk for damage from subterranean termites. These termites will also spread to other areas of the house that have wood. Subterranean termites create mud tubes – also known as termite tunnels – to move back and forth between the colony and food sources. If you have a large subterranean termite infestation, it puts all of the wood in your home at risk for damage.
How do I protect my home from the damage that subterranean termites can cause?
Subterranean termites are present in San Diego County and throughout California. If you want to continue living in California then you need a plan to protect your home from the damage that subterranean termites can cause. Start by scheduling a free termite inspection with a local termite pro. An inspection will let you know if you currently have an active infestation. After the inspection, you will work with your termite pro to eradicate the infestation (if you have one) and develop a plan to prevent another infestation in the future.
Subterranean termites are a major threat to homes. The fact that these termites are active where you live means that you must be proactive in order to avoid costly damage. Reach out to the pros at Nixtermite to set up a free inspection and discuss options for protecting your home from future infestations of subterranean termites.
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