Most Common Signs of Termite Infestation in Your California Home

Subterranean termites

Termites are small, white insects that live in colonies underground. They are silent destroyers that can cause extensive damage to your home without you even knowing they are there.

In California, you can find at least 23 different species of termites. The most common and destructive species are the subterranean termite, the drywood termite, and the Formosan termite.

Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite in California. They live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to travel between their colony and food sources. Subterranean termites can cause extensive damage to homes and other structures.

Drywood termites are less common than subterranean termites, but they can still be very destructive. They live in dry wood, such as lumber, furniture, and firewood. Drywood termites can cause serious damage to homes and other structures, especially in areas with high humidity.

Formosan termites are the most destructive type of termite in California. They are originally from Asia, but they have been introduced to many parts of the world, including California. Formosan termites are very aggressive and can quickly destroy homes and other structures.

9 Signs of Termite Infestation at Home

How do you know if your home in California has been attacked by termites? Here are the most common signs of termite infestation:

1. Your wood fixtures have mud tubes.

These are tunnels made of mud and soil that termites use to travel between their underground nest and the wood they are feeding on. Also known as shelter tubes, mud tubes are often found on the foundation of your home, along walls, or in crawl spaces.

2. Your house is filled with swarmers.

Swarmers are winged termites that leave the colony to mate and start new colonies. They are often seen in the spring, and they can be seen swarming around lights or indoors if there is an infestation.

3. You see frass around.

Frass is the termite poop often left by drywood termites. It looks like small sawdust-like pellets, which can be found near termite activity, such as near mud tubes or under damaged wood.

4. There are discarded wings.

After swarmers mate, they shed their wings. Finding discarded wings near windowsills, spider webs, or other areas may suggest termite activity.

5. You see damaged wood.

Termites feed on wood from the inside out, so the outer surface may appear normal while the inside is hollowed out. Tap on suspected wood with a screwdriver or similar tool; if it sounds hollow, there may be termite damage.

6. You see bubbling paint or wallpaper.

This can be a sign that termites are feeding on the wood behind the paint or wallpaper.

7. You see drooping drywall.

Drywall is made of paper and cellulose, which are food sources for termites. If termites are feeding on the drywall behind your walls, the drywall may start to droop or sag. Subterranean termites are often the suspect of dropping drywalls.

8. Your doors and windows can be hard to open.

Doors and windows that are difficult to open usually mean termites have caused damage to the frames of doors and windows, making them hard to open or close.

9. You can see termites.

If you see termites, chances are there is an infestation happening. In some cases, you may actually see worker termites, which are pale, soft-bodied insects. However, they are usually hidden within wood or mud tubes.

Useful Tips to Avoid Termite Infestation

To prevent termite infestation, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Keep wood-based mulch at least six inches away from your foundation.
• Repair any cracks or gaps in your foundation as soon as possible.
• Store firewood away from your house.
• Have your home inspected for termites regularly.
• Detecting termites early is crucial to minimize potential damage to your home. Here are some signs that may indicate the presence of termites:

Seek Help from Termite Control Expert

If you suspect that you have termites in your home, it is important to contact a professional pest control company for an inspection. Early detection and treatment can help to prevent extensive damage to your home.

Pro Pacific Pest Control can help you eliminate or prevent termites through our QualityPro-certified termite control treatments. Learn more about our Termite Control Service in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County.

Call us at 800-901-1102 to schedule a FREE termite inspection/estimate.