If You Have Termites

Many species of insects fly in groups to seek out new locations to colonize, including termites. If you see spring-swarming, winged termites, you may wonder if termites have infested your dwelling.

A termite swarm on or near your property doesn’t necessarily mean there termites are chewing your home’s framing — they could settle down and nest nearby instead of in your home. However, you should take action if you notice swarms inside or your house. Do these three things right away.

1. Make Sure They Aren’t Really Just Ants

Swarming ants and termites look very similar. Both insects have two sets of wings and slim bodies. However, there are some key differences in the two insects during their reproductive phases.

• Ant reproductive
  • Forewings are larger than rear wings
  • Antennae have 90-degree bend
  • Body has slim waist
• Termite Reproductive
  • Both wing sets are equal size
  • Antennae are straight or droopy
  • Body has broad waist

Ants may pose problems in your home and landscape, but they don’t cause the destruction that termites do. If you’re unsure about whether ants or termites are swarming in your home, contact one of our technicians for an inspection.

2. Try to Identify the Type of Termites

If you’re sure you’ve found swarming termites, look for other signs around your home to determine what type of termites they are. Three basic types of termites that infest homes:

• Subterranean
• Drywood
• Dampwood

Subterranean termites are the smallest termites and the most destructive. They live and breed underground where you can’t see them. They create tunnels up to dead wood in your home or yard and then feast on the structure. Look for tell-tale tubes coming up from the soil around your foundation or crawl space.

Drywood termites are medium-sized, above-ground nesting termites that chew on sound wood including deck posts, fencing, and furniture. Unlike dampwood and subterranean termites, drywood termites can survive in arid conditions. They chew to create tunnels across the grain of wood and often leave behind fecal matter at the end of their tunnels.

Dampwood termites are the largest type of termites. They prefer to live and eat in moist wood like tree stumps, falling trees, or floor joists that are exposed to wet soil. Dampwood termites create open galleries in wet wood and may be found in wood close to a leak or drainage problem. Coastal areas may see more dampwood termite damage.

3. Enlist the Services of Qualified Pest Control Professionals

The complexity of your home’s termite treatment depends on the type of termite problem you have. The most important thing to remember is that this type of pest control is not a DIY endeavor. Treatment for subterranean termites is far more involved than simply spraying the surface of wood.

Your home may need trenching along the foundation and chemical treatment inside confined spaces. In some cases, up to 100 gallons of California-approved chemicals will be used to stop a termite infestation. These treatments must be done correctly while wearing proper protective gear.

California laws strictly regulate pest control companies who provide termite treatments. When you call Craig & Sons, you will receive service from a certified professional in compliance with the law. We follow all safety procedures to keep you and your family safe while protecting your home from termite damage.

Contact Craig & Sons Termite & Pest Control, Inc., today to schedule a complete termite inspection of your residence. We offer expert termite treatment as well as moisture-control services to clean up termite-attracting spots around your property. If you get in touch with us as soon as you notice signs of termite infestation, we can prevent damage to your home and save you money in repairs.