14
Feb

There are three major types of termites common in California, dampwood, drywood, and subterranean. It is estimated that more than one in five homes in California cities have been or will be attacked by termites. These silent destroyers are destructive on building timbers used in construction homes. Often confused as ants, termites are small, soft bodied insects, with straight antennas and thick waist. They are usually pale in color and live in colonies in the ground or in wood.

Termites cause billions of dollars of damage each year. They are among the most feared pests by homeowners because of the termite’s diet, which consists of wood and wood products. They can also feed on damaged paper, books and filtration systems. Your building or your home can become infested at any time. They are known to enter buildings or homes through cracks in concrete flooring or travel under tile flooring through gaps of less than 1/16 inch wide.

Make sure to follow these tips to minimize termites.

• Remove any wood that’s in contact with the ground and close to the house
• Leave at least two inches of space between your house and the deck or other wooden structure outside.
• Make sure to build decks and other structures on concrete pads and treat around the pads and posts.
• Do not add fill dirt around the foundation or under porches or steps without contacting your termite company for treatment.
• Many houses are protected from subterranean termite’s damage with soil treatments. To protect the structure, make sure to use mulches in beds of shrubs and flowers.

The most proven effective way to get rid of termites is to use a professional. If you suspect you have termites, call a professional. You’ll need an experienced termite inspector to detect and eliminate the extent of termite damage.