Termites cause millions of dollars in damages to residential and commercial properties each year. These pests love to congregate, breed, and feed and in warm and arid areas. Similarly, while they resemble white ants, termites are wood-destroying insects that gather anywhere there is an abundant supply. This includes trees, yards, wooden cabins, and especially in home and business foundations.

There are essentially three types of termites known to entomologists: subterranean, dry wood, and damp wood.

The latter tend to live in heavily forested areas while dry wood species reside in dry wood areas. The subterranean species are considered the most destructive within the termite family. They need moist environments to live and are usually found in different soil types. While termites cause a range of property damages every year, they can be controlled with professional termite control services.

When do termites come out?

Termites usually come out in the spring and start building nests and enclaves. To check for termite infestation, you need a professional termite control, like these termite control specialists in California, to come out and check your property. Whether for a home or business, these experts are fully certified in detecting and eliminating termite problems.

This includes checking your property’s foundation for termite nests and activities. They also check for softwood, mud tubes, and dark or blistered wood structures. These are all sure-fire signs of a termite problem in or around your home. Again, call out a termite specialist or exterminator if you suspect a termite infestation in your area.

How does termite control work?

If you do have a termite issue, do not try to fix the problem on your own. Local exterminators/termite specialists are trained to inspect, detect, and eradicate entire termite colonies. This is done with the right chemicals and equipment that destroy nests as safely as possible. Exterminators also check your back and front yard trees, soils, and gardens for termite activities.

They even remove conditions in and around your home that welcomes termite infestation. This includes dry and chipped wood sections, along with softwood and areas under your foundation. While an exterminator may not be able to handle all structural issues, he or she usually has a termite specialist that can be called to perform special duties.

How can you help?

While you should avoid DIY termite control, there are ways you can help protect your property. For one, moderate the moisture levels in your home to avoid inviting subterranean termite activity. Again, these termites love moisture so the less of it you have in your home — the better it is for your property. You can also shut off all faucets and make sure they do not drip.

This too will prevent moisture build-up in your home and/or office. Also, make sure that your rain run-off is correctly and properly sealed. You can even check the gutter to make sure it is not cluttered. This is a great way to remove water to the ground below and avoid inviting mosquitoes, termites, and other insects that love still water.

What about the foundation of your home?

For homes that are older, make sure the foundations are replaced for better performance. You can also have the tree stubs removed and make sure the bushes and shrubbery are not touching your home. These are great ways to stop termites from invading your home — any time of the year.