DRYWOOD TERMITES - The drywood termites thrive in our coastal areas. They prefer warm, moist areas. They cause more damage every year than any other natural disaster. They cause millions of dollars of damage to homes and businesses. Their colony is inside the wood they are feeding upon. This termite even though they are called drywood termites must have moisture. They can receive the moisture through the air along the coastal areas or from a moisture source such as a leaking roof or pipe. This type of termite does not need ground contact for the colony. This is why they can go undetected for such a long time. They can be actively feeding inside the walls without being detected. Signs of infestation include: swarming, pellets of partly digested wood that the termite excretes, blistering on wood surfaces, and listening to the sound the wood makes when tapped.
Swarmers or alates (little princes and princesses) usually swarm in the late summer or early fall. They can and do sometimes swarm during other times of the year. Usually right after a strong North/East dry wind or just after the winds subside. The drywood termites is usually a brown colored body with and reddish brown head. The drywood termites usually don't swarm until the colony is at least four year old. If you have signs of a swarm, CONTACT US right away. If you are out of our service area call a local licensed company. Some methods of control for Drywood termites include: fumigation,, and local spot treatment. This type of termite is not usually a successful do-it-yourself home remedy type of treatment. By using an ineffective treatment the termites can go on undetected causing thousands of dollars in damage. Having the termites treated properly the first time will save you time, money and stress.

COLONY LOCATIONS - The colonies are usually located in attics, garage framing, eave areas, siding, and substructure areas. These are the areas of visible locations. The colonies inside the walls or under the insulation are not visible or accessible and are not located during an initial inspection unless they are swarming.

SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES are the most common termites found in the United States. These termites cause more than 5 billion dollars in damage each year. This type of termite lives in large colonies, sometimes as large as 60,000 to 80,000. Subterranean termites live in the ground, and look for areas where wood contacts earth. They build tunnels in search of food. They feed on wood or other items that contain cellulose.
These termites usually swarm in the springtime on sunny days after rain. Subterranean termites usually enter the framing of a structure from the sub area or cracks within a concrete slab or earth filled porches. They will nest in the soil to obtain moisture, but will attack any wood, paper, fiberboard, and some fabrics that come into contact with the ground. Some signs of possible subterranean termite infestation include mud tubes, swarming and discarded wings. Mud tubes are made from soil, bits of chewed wood, and excrement from termites. Treatments for the control of subterranean termites include soil chemical treatments, bait treatments, protective wood treatments and correcting earth to wood contacts and excessive moisture conditions. Some chemicals repel them. In doing this type of treatment a continuous barrier must be applied. Other chemicals such as PREMISE™ are undetected by the termites and when they come into contact, they also carry it back to the unsuspecting colony. They can do a lot of damage quickly to a home because of their large numbers and the moisture they carry. Don't wait to call if you suspect these termites.

DAMPWOOD TERMITES - are the largest of all local species. Dampwood termites live in the wet wood members of the structure. However, they are not as common in California. These termites thrive in damp areas much like foothills and woodsy areas. Signs of infestation include larger pellets and swarming. Taking away the source of moisture, fumigation, chemical treatment, or a treatment can control them.