Termites can be found all across the globe and the U.S. is no exception.
Unfortunately, California is a state that suffers greatly from
infestations. Termites are particularly active in the area from Redding
to San Francisco, down to Fresno, Bakersfield, LA and Riverside. If you
live in this region, it is essential that you take measures to protect
your home from termite damage.
Types of Termites found in California
There are 3 main types of termites found in the state – subterranean, drywood and dampwood termites. Of the 3, the first 2 do the most damage. Dampwood termites eat all kinds of material containing cellulose but are less likely to cause damage to structures. Formosan termites are a new entry into the state and they were first identified in San Diego County in 1992.
Swarming
Termites move in swarms. The size may vary according to the region and the food supply available to them. Generally, swarms appear on warm days when the humidity is high, such as after rain. However, they can also be found at other times and may occur in heated buildings when the weather outside is cold. Different types of termites have varying swarming habits.
Types of Termites found in California
There are 3 main types of termites found in the state – subterranean, drywood and dampwood termites. Of the 3, the first 2 do the most damage. Dampwood termites eat all kinds of material containing cellulose but are less likely to cause damage to structures. Formosan termites are a new entry into the state and they were first identified in San Diego County in 1992.
Swarming
Termites move in swarms. The size may vary according to the region and the food supply available to them. Generally, swarms appear on warm days when the humidity is high, such as after rain. However, they can also be found at other times and may occur in heated buildings when the weather outside is cold. Different types of termites have varying swarming habits.
- Western subterranean termites typically swarm in autumn, winter and the beginning of spring, usually after it has rained. In southern parts of the state, swarms are generally found between September and November.
- Arid land subterranean termites usually swarm during the daylight hours in the spring and fall.
- Desert subterranean termites swarm from July to September, usually at night.
- Pacific dampwood termites swarm in the evenings, usually just before sunset, in the months from August to October.
- Nevada dampwood termites swarm in summer and early in the fall in coastal areas and in the spring in higher elevations.
- Formosan termites swarm at night in June and July. However, small swarms can often be found till autumn.
Whatever be the type of termite, the damage they can do could be major. Because of the different swarming patterns of the various types, it is essential to know what to look for at what time of year to be able to prevent infestation and remove it if it does occur.
Going online will give you a huge number of websites full of information about DIY termite control. Taking precautions to protect your home is always a good idea, but these are rarely enough to provide the complete protection that you need. Termites are persistent and extremely hardy creatures and both preventing their entry into a building and getting rid of them if they do gain access requires professional termite control. Regular inspection and control by professionals will give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home is safe. When looking for a termite control company to use, ensure that it is one that has the skills, experience and state-of-the-art technology to give you the best possible protection.
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