Termites
What are termites?
Although termites are known for damaging San Mateo homes, they are essential parts of a healthy ecosystem because they help decompose organic matter.
These insects come in many different forms, two being subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites are the most widespread type of termite in North America. Even though drywood termites are less common, they can be even more destructive as they consume the hard and soft parts of wood rather than just soft parts like the subterranean species.
Are termites dangerous?
Termites are dangerous due to the damage they cause. These pests are silent destroyers because they can infest a home and go undetected for an extended time. During this time, termites will eat away at a home's structure and even cause a collapse.
Why do I have a termite problem?
You can have a termite problem for several reasons depending on the species. Subterranean termites are attracted to water-damaged and decaying wood, so if you have had a leak, this is likely the cause of your termite problem. Although they can infest new homes, older houses are more susceptible to these types of termites. On the flip side, drywood termites can infest a home during its construction process.
Where will I find termites?
Subterranean termites don't live in the wood they consume because they need contact with moist soil. To do this, subterranean termites nest in the soil and build mud tubes to travel back and forth between the nest and food source. Because of this, you'll likely find the mud tubes around the home's foundation.
Drywood termites, on the other hand, don't need the same moisture as subterranean species do. Instead, they get enough water from the wood they eat and nest inside, allowing them to infest different areas of the home.
How do I get rid of termites?
At Pacific Pest Management, we can assist you with your subterranean or drywood termite problem. If you see signs of these pests, contact us for an inspection to properly determine what species you are dealing with and what the best termite treatment plan is.
For subterranean termites, we use a liquid treatment, Termidor HE, injected into the ground and comes with a two-year service warranty. We will also install Sentricon bait stations at your request.
We treat drywood termites with fumigation, which comes with a two-year guarantee, or heat treatment that comes with a one-year warranty. We can also use local treatments for drywood termites. To do this, we drill into wood and fill it with Termidor HE foam. We can also use orange oil for this treatment.
Give us a call at Pacific Pest Management to learn more about our services, including pre-construction prevention and real estate inspections, and more!
How can I prevent termites in the future?
No one wants to get rid of a termite infestation only to have them return in the future. Although the best way to prevent a termite infestation is with yearly inspections, you should also remove any water-damaged or decaying wood from your property. You should also routinely check for entry points and repair them and address any moisture issues you are experiencing.
Reach out to us today to get started with home termite control or commercial pest solutions in San Mateo, CA.
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