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Identifying Types Of Termites And Tips For Controlling Them

Termites are at their most active state during spring and summer. During these seasons, you would do well to be on your best guard and protect your home from an infestation.

Knowing the different types of termites can help you avoid or deal with these pests properly. In California, there are three main species of termites to be found. If you are having a hard time identifying types of termites most common in California, here’s a guide you can follow as shared by a Modesto pest control company:

Drywood termites

Drywood termites have light colored bodies and dark heads. They can grow from 3/8 inch to 1 inch long. They need very little moisture to live and, as such, are usually found in Southern California homes during periods of drought. They make their homes and live on dry wood. Drywood termites are particularly fond of gnawing on smooth woods and can thus be found on the support beams of your house, furniture, and hardwood floors.

Subterranean termites

This type of termite also has a light colored body, but is slender with a shiny brown head and has pronounced mandibles. They can grow up to 1/8 inch long. They typically live underground since they have to keep damp to live. However, they can go to roofs and attics after periods of heavy rainfall and warm temperatures. They travel from place to place by building mud tunnels so that they can stay damp and be protected.

Subterranean termites prefer to eat soft woods. If the damaged wood structures and fixtures in your home have holes that look like honeycombs, there’s a high chance you have an infestation of subterranean termites.

Dampwood termites 

Dampwood termites are stockier in proportion but are typically larger than subterranean termites since they can grow from 1/2 to 5/8 inch long. This type of termite has a large head and is light brown in color. They live in moist wood but do not need to be in contact with mud and soil to thrive. However, they can live in areas where the weather makes roofs and attics moist. Their favorite hiding areas include dead or decaying wood stumps.

To avoid a termite infestation from any or all of these species, make sure you have a clean lawn all the time. Remove dead trees, stumps, and branches from your yard. Don’t allow fallen leaves to stay on your lawn for too long as well.

Termites also need moisture to survive; it is therefore important that you remove all sources of moisture, including leaks or bad drainage in and around your home.

Lastly, keep in mind that holes and cracks, no matter how small, can lead to moisture, cause wood to rot, and serve as entryways for termites. Seal them as quickly as possible before any real damage can occur and the termites discover and use them. And call us as soon as possible!

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