Drywood termites derive their name from their preference for infesting dry, exposed wood structures such as eaves, door frames, patio covers, and fences. Unlike subterranean termites that require contact with soil moisture, drywood termites thrive in dry environments, making them a significant concern for homeowners. These termites can be identified by their long, winged bodies and swarming behavior. While drywood termites typically swarm in the spring and fall, in LA and Riverside counties, they pose a year-round threat due to the favorable climate.
Identifying a drywood termite infestation early is crucial for preventing extensive damage to your property. Although only a state-licensed inspector can definitively determine the presence of termites, there are several telltale signs that indicate it’s time to call the professionals at Southland Pest Control. Be vigilant and look out for the following indicators around your home.
These piles, also known as “frass,” are created as termites bore into the wood and expel waste. Frass resembles sawdust or tiny wood pellets and is often found near the entry points of the infestation, such as baseboards, windowsills, and wooden furniture.
During swarming, drywood termites shed their wings after finding a suitable location to establish a new colony. Piles of discarded wings, often found on windowsills, near light sources, or around entryways, are a clear sign of termite activity.
Termites create small, round holes in wood, known as kick-out holes, to expel frass and other debris from their tunnels. These holes are typically tiny, about the size of a pinhead, and may be surrounded by small piles of frass.
Drywood termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of wood or paint on the surface. If you notice wood that sounds hollow when tapped or has blistered surfaces, it may be infested with termites. Additionally, you might find tunnels or galleries carved into the wood when the surface is broken open.
The presence of winged termites, or swarmers, inside or outside your home is a clear indication of an active termite colony. Swarmers are reproductive termites looking to establish new colonies, and their appearance is often the first visible sign of an infestation.
If you observe any of these signs around your home, it is imperative to contact the professionals at Southland Pest Control immediately. Our state-licensed inspectors will conduct a thorough assessment to confirm the presence of termites and recommend the most effective treatment options to protect your property. Early detection and prompt action are key to mitigating the damage caused by drywood termites and ensuring the structural integrity of your home.
If you're preparing to buy or sell a property in LA & Riverside County, obtaining a full termite inspection report is a crucial step in the process. This report is not only a standard requirement for most real estate transactions but also provides peace of mind by ensuring the property is free from termite damage or infestations. Our licensed termite inspectors are highly trained and experienced in conducting thorough inspections. They will come to your property and meticulously examine every aspect of the structure. This includes both the interior and exterior, with special attention to areas that are prone to termite activity, such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and the foundation.
Our goal is to provide you with a clear and accurate understanding of the termite status of the property, ensuring you can make informed decisions. Whether you are a buyer looking to safeguard your investment or a seller aiming to provide transparency to potential buyers, our termite inspection report is an invaluable tool. We understand the time-sensitive nature of real estate transactions, so we strive to deliver the inspection report promptly, typically within 24-48 hours of the inspection. By choosing our licensed termite inspectors, you are opting for professionalism, accuracy, and reliability. We are committed to helping you navigate the property transaction process with confidence, armed with the knowledge you need to protect your investment and ensure a smooth transaction. Contact us today to schedule your termite inspection and ensure your property is thoroughly evaluated by experts. Our team is ready to assist you in meeting all the termite inspection requirements for buying or selling property in LA & Riverside county.
There are a few treatment options available for full drywood termite control. Based on your needs and budget, our termite inspectors will make their recommendations after a thorough inspection of your structure.
During fumigation, the building is tented for 24-48 hours. Vikane gas is then pumped into the sealed structure, replacing the oxygen. Vikane penetrates hard to reach areas like walls voids, attic spaces, eaves and door frames. After treatment, our technicians will remove the tent and air out the structure. We will thoroughly inspect the structure before we allow occupants to return. Fumigation service is warrantied for 3 years after service.
Heat is a relatively new treatment option for termites. Much like fumigation, heat will penetrate areas of the structure that cannot be reached by traditional pesticide applications. Heat treatments can be completed in a matter of hours and do not require occupants to be out of the house for more than an afternoon.
Local treatment is a great option for small scale infestations or smaller budgets. After a thorough inspection is completed, our technicians may recommend localized spot treatment based on their findings. You will not need to leave the house for this treatment and prep, if any, will be minimal.
Orange oil is a non-traditional treatment option used to rid exposed wood structures of termites. It works by injecting the product into the wood structures. Orange oil destroys termites and their eggs quickly and without using traditional pesticide methods like fumigation. Service time is quick and easy and doesn’t require you to be out of the home during treatment.
Southland Pest Control is a company that we can rely on. We often have to react to customer needs quickly and we know that they will take care of us when we need high-quality rodent control service.
Wow, I’m so happy with your service. I would just like to say thank you for your prompt and effective termite work, for your friendly and professional support staff! I will recommend your expert company to all my friends.
I just wanted to let you know that our property has never been pest free. What an amazing job your crew does! You are very professional, hardworking and show great pride in your work.
Natural forces like earthquakes and tornadoes can cause a wake of destruction. Fortunately, they have taught us something about the kind of home they are most likely to damage. It turns out that strong forces “pick on” homes and buildings that have structural defects. Homes that are well built and maintained are more likely to come through a major calamity in much better shape.
A structural defect can be the result of a design or construction flaw and makes your home weaker. Weakening can also be caused by anything that attacks the structural wood. This includes beetles, fungi, termites and carpenter ants. Unchecked, these pests can reduce the strength of wood by as much as 80%, leaving your home susceptible to widespread damage. The stronger the force, the more likely that force will cause severe, and perhaps irreparable, damage to the home.
The porch column that has a masonry exterior can conceal termite- damaged wood inside. The column could break during an earthquake. Had the wood been intact, the column may very well have come through unharmed. Be vigilant in keeping your home in good repair and free of wood-destroying pests. Don’t hesitate to have inaccessible areas opened so they can be inspected for hidden damage.
Any structure with wood looks and smells like a big juicy steak to termites. These pests have an uncanny ability to locate wood both by smell and by random searching, even when dirt, cement, or stucco hides the wood. There are certain situations that encourage problems with termites. Here are some common termite trouble spots.
These are just some of the many, many situations that can lead to trouble with termites. A professional Southland Pest Control’s inspection can spot these and other, less obvious conditions that can lead to problems with various wood-damaging pests.