Termites
What are the different kinds of termites?
There are basically two types of termites that we encounter in Northern California… Drywood Termites and Subterranean Termites…
This is a beautifully shot clip of subterranean termites, though they may seem harmless enough, subterranean termites are the single most destructive insect pests of wood in the United States. They cause more than $2 billion in damage each year, more property damage than that caused by fire and windstorm combined.
How do I know if I have termites?
First & foremost, we recommend you have yearly inspections on your home, which Brentwood Termite Control can provide.
Drywood Termites - The most common evidence of these termites are their droppings. Droppings are fairly easy to detect. They resemble sand or coffee-like granules which are golden to reddish-brown in color. You are also able to detect their wings during the early spring and late fall. Drywood termites will fly (swarm) out of their colonies to the nearest light source rich in cellulose (your home). Once this destination is reached, they shed their wings right before boring into wood and mating. You may see a few or as many as a hundred in certain areas.
Subterranean Termites - The most common way to detect subterranean termites are their mud tubes which are approximately a quarter inch in diameter and they extend from the ground to the nearest wood source. The most common areas to detect these termites are areas where heat radiates and/or moisture and dampness occurs such as water heater spaces, furnaces, water pipes, refrigerator, washer & dryers, outside water sources, showers & tubs, toilets, sink areas, dishwasher spaces, and underneath houses on raised foundations.
Management & treatment
There are many types of treatment that exist along with a lot of confusion on when to local treat or fumigate a property. We, at Brentwood Termite, personally believe that local treatments can be effective only when…
A thorough inspection has been made to determine whether infestations and damage are present, whether remedial control measures are needed, and a proper recommendation of each finding has been made.
Most of all, to have a quality staff that cares enough to perform a quality treatment required eliminating your termite problem along with your concerns.
How much damage we talking about here?
Dead trees and brush are the original food source of subterranean termites. When land is cleared of this material and houses are built on these sites, termites attack the structures. Termites can enter buildings through wood in direct contact with the soil, by building shelter tubes over or through foundations, or by entering directly through cracks or joints in and under foundations.
Any material in direct contact with the soil — such as trees, vines or plumbing fixtures — serves as an avenue of infestation. Subterranean termite swarmers may also be blown into or on structures and then start a new colony.
See actual film footage of a termite infested home.
In short if termites are left undetected, they can do severe damage that may require thousands of dollars to repair. This is why we suggest you have yearly inspections by Brentwood Termite Control.