Southern California Exterminators
Identifying and Preventing Termites
What are termites, and how do they damage buildings?
Termites are destructive pests that feed on wood, causing extensive damage to the structure of homes
and businesses. They are a nightmare for property owners and can cost billions in yearly repairs.
Unfortunately, most insurance policies do not cover termite damage. Two common termite species in
our area are dry wood and subterranean termites. Drywood termites feed on undamaged wood, while
subterranean termites prefer water-damaged or decaying wood. Discover the signs of termite damage
in Orange County. Call (714) 236-1200 or (800) 418-9263. Southern California Exterminators
Are termites harmful?
Termites pose no direct health risks to humans, as they rarely come into contact with people. However,
their ability to silently invade and damage structures over time makes them dangerous!
Termite swarms are a common way homeowners discover an infestation. Swarms occur when a mature
colony releases flying termites, typically in the spring. Spotting flying termites or discarded wings near
your home clearly indicates a nearby termite colony. Contact a professional at the first sign of an
infestation.
Why do I have a termite infestation?
Termites are attracted to properties with damp soil and abundant wood and plant materials. If you have
termites in or around your home, it could indicate an underlying moisture issue that needs to be
addressed.
Termites can become a problem for homeowners entering homes while searching for food. They gain
access through small cracks in the foundation or via wood in direct contact with the ground. Drywood
termites, on the other hand, do not require moisture and are attracted to dry wood. They infest homes
and buildings by entering through already-infested wood or furniture.
Where can termites be found?
Termites can be found in various places depending on their species. Subterranean termites, for example,
don't live inside the wood they eat. They travel between their underground nest and the wooden
structures they feed on, such as the wood behind walls or under floors. They can eventually move to
wood located above ceilings.
On the other hand, dry wood termites do nest within the wood they feed on. Unlike subterranean
termites, drywood termites have smaller colonies but are more efficient feeders. They can be found in
wooden structures like beams, antique furniture, wood framing, and picture frames.
How do I eliminate termites from my property?
Contact Southern California Exterminators, one of our area's oldest family-run pest control companies in
Orange County CA. Our professionals will eliminate termites and prevent re-infestations in your
southern Los Angeles or Orange County property. Reach out today to learn more about our termite
control services!
How to Prevent Termites in the Future: Tips from Southern California Exterminators
Preventing termites and other pests can be challenging, but you can take steps to minimize the
risks. By following these tips, in addition to seeking professional help, you can decrease the
likelihood of termite infestations:
- Remove excess foliage, decaying wood mulch, fallen trees, and tree stumps from your yard. These can attract termites as a food source.
- Address moisture issues on your property. Fix leaky pipes and ensure that shrubbery is trimmed away from your home's exterior walls and foundation. Termites are drawn to moisture, so reducing it helps prevent infestations.
- Keep your gutters clean to prevent water from spilling over and seeping into your walls, creating damp environments where termites thrive.
- Create a barrier of crushed rock between your foundation and any soil or mulch, with a width of at least 12-18 inches. This helps deter termites from accessing your home.
- Avoid overwatering your lawn and garden, as excess moisture can attract subterranean termites.
- Use exhaust fans, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners to regulate humidity levels inside your home. Termites prefer humid environments, so lowering humidity can discourage their presence.
- Keep crawlspaces well-ventilated and wood debris-free, as stagnant air and wood materials are attractive to termites.
- Before bringing furniture, structural wood, or other wooden items into your home, inspect them for signs of termite damage. This step is essential for new purchases.
AREAS WE SERVE
Termite removal in East Las Angelas County, Pest Control in Aliso Viejo, Pest Control in Anaheim, Pest
Control in Brea, termite damage in Huntington Beach, Buena Park, Pest Control in Capistrano Beach,
Pest Control in Costa Mesa, Pest Control in Cypress, Pest Control in Dana Point, termite inspection East
Las Angelas County, Pest Control in Fountain Valley, Pest Control in Fullerton, Pest Control in Garden
Grove, Pest Control in East Las Angelas County, Pest Control in Irvine, Pest Control in La Habra, Pest
Control in La Palma, Pest Control in Ladera Ranch, Pest Control in Laguna Beach, Pest Control in Laguna
Hills, Pest Control in Laguna Niguel, Pest Control in Laguna Woods, Pest Control in Lake Forest, Pest
Control in Los Alamitos, Pest Control in Mission Viejo, Pest Control in Newport Beach, Pest Control in
Orange, Pest Control in Placentia, Pest Control in Rancho Santa Margarita, Pest Control in San Clemente,
Pest Control in San Juan Capistrano, Pest Control in Santa Ana, Pest Control in Seal Beach, Pest Control
in Silverado, Pest Control in Stanton, Pest Control in Trabuco Canyon, Pest Control in Tustin, Pest Control
in Villa Park, Pest Control in Westminster, Pest Control in Yorba Linda
Get Rid of Pesky Pests on Your Property for Good
We understand that your home is your sanctuary and that finding peace of
mind is challenging when unwanted visitors make it their own.
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