Pre-Season Termite Checklist
Do You Have Termites?
Termites are one of the most silent pests homeowners encounter since they do not announce their arrival with much fanfare or leave very few visible signs of their presence. For example, subterranean termites invade structures from the soil and it can be years before you know they are there happily eating away your deck or the woodwork in your family room.
But don’t take a termite’s silence for inactivity: Termites cause more than $5 billion worth of damage to structures in the United States annually and are a real headache for homeowners.
Researchers estimate there are more than 2,500 different species of termites worldwide and 17 different species in California alone. The three most common termites that Golden State homeowners have to be concerned with include:
- Subterranean Termites – Can be found in many areas of the state where moist soil is present; it is the most destructive termite species.
- Drywood Termites – Found mainly in Southern California but also in the Central Valley.
- Dampwood Termites – Found in the central and northern coastal regions.
The first step to keeping termites in check is to have an annual termite inspection of your home by a trained pest management professional. The Clark Man and his team of licensed, experienced termite inspectors will examine your home inside and out.
They will search around windows and plumbing; check out the attic, the basement and the crawl space. They will look anywhere termite colonies might be establishing a threat around your home.
If our inspector discovers a termite problem they will recommend the most effective treatment method and customize the plan to meet your home’s specific needs. We will also advise you on appropriate repairs for any damaged areas.
As a final step our inspector may recommend an ongoing termite monitoring plan. Clark’s termite home protection services will guarantee that if termites do try to re-establish a colony around your home, we’ll be there to treat the problem before they can do any further damage
Termite Warning Signs
- Wood damage can be an identifying sign of a termite infestation. If you find or break open a piece of wood and it is honeycombed or carved out, the damage was likely caused by termites. You can probe suspect wood with a knife or flat-blade screwdriver to see if it's been hollowed. Severely damaged wood may sound hollow when tapped.
- Unexplained piles of what appears to be coarse grains of sand (which can appear almost anywhere throughout the structure) may actually be termite fecal pellets sifting out of wood members.
- Mud tubes on walls, along baseboards or in cracks and crevices indicate termites.
- Wings on windowsills or flying termites in your home certainly are cause for alarm.
Remember, if you think your home may have termites, call 800/WE-NEED-YOU or drop me an e-mail at clarkcares@clarkpest.com
Until next time, I’m the Clark Man and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.