Identifying Termite Infestation

No one wants to think about what might be living in their crawlspace, but the cost is too high to ignore the possibility of a termite infestation. If you and your family live in Orange County, Los Angeles, or Southern California, your home is at risk of termite infestation. Treebark Termite and Pest Control advises you to familiarize yourself with these common termite signs.

1. Mud Tunnels

Termites create tunnels out of mud and fecal matter in order to travel between the nest and sources of wood. These tunnels can be most easily seen climbing up concrete blocks on the side of the house. Tunnels are also very common in the crawlspace. Some tunnels start at the ground and travel upward, not always connecting with the floor above. Others start at the floor and travel downward through the crawlspace, not always reaching the ground. Tunnels are most frequently brown or light brown, varying in tone. A mud tunnel is a clear sign of a termite infestation, though they are not always present or easy to find.

Subterranean Termite Tube and Colony

2. Swarmers

Sometimes, termites appear in large swarms, frequently near a light source. Reproductive termites are found in swarms when a nest becomes overcrowded and it is time to build a new nest. A swarm not only means that there is a nest in the area but that a new one will be developed soon unless someone takes action. After the swarming phase, the termites will leave behind a pile of wings, indicating that reproduction has already taken place. Swarming happens the most often in the spring between February-March through June but also occurs in September and October for drywood termite season (red head black body termites with wings).

Subterranean Termite Swarmer

3. Wood Damage

As termites eat, they create holes in the wood and weaken the structure. Termites create patterns like watermarks in wood as they slowly wear it down. Termite-damaged wood may appear rotten or degraded over time, and give into pressure from above. Knocking on termite-damaged wood results in a dull, hollow sound. Termite problems are best dealt with before they cause this level of
damage, but Treebark Termite and Pest Control offers solutions to termite damage.

Treebark Termite and Pest Control

Instead of waiting for termites to become a problem, it is cheaper, easier, and safer to prevent infestation. Treebark Final™ is a Treebark-exclusive treatment which is not toxic for people, household pets, or plants. Use of Treebark Final™ does not require disposal of food or leaving the home. This ground-breaking treatment not only kills termites but prevents them from returning.

Check out the Treebark Termite and Pest Control hours and locations.