Termites are more than just a nuisance; they are a serious threat to the structural integrity of your home. These destructive pests can cause significant damage in just a few short years, chewing through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper.

Clark, California’s neighborly pest control, rodent, and termite expert, encourages California homeowners to be especially vigilant this year. The state has experienced heavy rain and snowfall, creating conditions that are ideal for termites. While cooler temperatures in some areas may delay the start of termite swarming season until late March or early April, the excess moisture provides a perfect environment for termites to thrive.

Moisture attracts termites and other wood-destroying pests, including powder post beetles and carpenter ants, as well as wood-destroying organisms such as wood-rotting fungi. Wood that has been damaged by moisture becomes an easy target for termites searching for their next meal.

Termite Facts You Need to Know

As we recognize Termite Awareness Week (March 2-8), Clark Pest Control wants to share some key termite facts every homeowner should be aware of:

• Subterranean termites are found in every state except Alaska.
• California is home to three types of termites: subterranean (including the aggressive Formosan species), drywood, and dampwood termites.
• Termites make up approximately 10% of the world’s mass of living organisms.
• A Formosan termite queen can lay up to 1,000 eggs per day, and a single colony could destroy an entire home within two years.
• The total weight of termites worldwide exceeds that of all humans combined.
• Worker termites can travel up to 250 feet from their colony in search of food.
• When adjusted for inflation, termites cause more than $6.8 billion in property damage annually.

Signs You May Have a Termite Problem

Termites are often referred to as "silent destroyers" because they can go unnoticed for long periods. However, homeowners should be on the lookout for these key warning signs:

• Termite Swarmers: Also known as reproductives, these young, winged termites emerge in spring to mate and establish new colonies. Finding swarmers or their discarded wings near windowsills and doors is often the first visible sign of an infestation.
• Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to maintain moisture while traveling between their colony and food source. These tubes are commonly found near a home's foundation or in crawlspaces.
• Wood Damage: Termites eat wood from the inside out. If wood sounds hollow when tapped or has blistering areas, it may indicate an infestation.
• Uneven or Bubbling Paint: This can signal moisture buildup, which could be due to water damage or termite activity.
• Termite Frass: Drywood termites leave behind wood-colored droppings (frass) that resemble sawdust. Finding these inside or outside your home is a sign of termite presence.

Protect Your Home from Termites with Clark Pest Control

At Clark Pest Control, protecting your home from destructive subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites is our top priority. Our highly trained inspectors provide comprehensive, free termite inspections to assess the presence of termites.

If termites are detected, we use the latest innovative termite control products and application techniques to effectively target and eliminate them.

For maximum protection, homeowners should schedule a no-obligation home wellness check, which includes a thorough termite inspection. Additionally, ask about Clark Pest Control’s exclusive Termite Infestation Program (T.I.P.), designed to safeguard your home from future infestations and damage caused by all species of termites.

Take proactive steps today—call California’s trusted termite control experts at 800/WE-NEED-YOU or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com to schedule your home wellness check and keep termites at bay.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.