There are 3 primary species of termites that affect homes in the central valley of California. Some interesting facts and figures on each are as follows:

Subterranean termites

In our operating area of Sacramento, Yolo, Placer and El Dorado counties we encounter subterranean termites most frequently. This insect is colony based and lives in the soil. This type of termite will eat a variety of cellulose based materials such as cardboard, paper and wood products. After ingesting cellulose material, bacteria in the gut of the termite digests necessary nutrients then excess materials are expunged from the insect. Subterranean termites use this excess material, mixed with the surrounding soil, to create the shelter tubes (Or sometimes referred to as ‘dirt tubes’) in which they live when above ground. It is usually the sight of the dirt tubes that alerts a homeowner or tenant to the presence of termite activity in a home.  

During spring and early summer, subterranean termites are at the peak of their reproductive phase. During this time, the insects reverse their normal instincts of dark, below ground existence and seek above ground, lighted areas to reproduce. This is referred to as “Swarming.” Swarming is also a primary clue to a homeowner of an existing termite problem. Termite swarmers look like tiny ants with wings, rather than their usual form during below ground existence which is tiny, white, with no wings. Unfortunately, ants also undergo a similar reproductive process involving swarming. To complicate things, ant swarmers and termite swarmers look very similar. Swarming or flying termites often are seen near garage doors, other door or window frames, columns supporting porches, dirt-filled porches and any expansion joints.  An expansion joint is any area where two or more sections of a home are joined such as where a garage or patio is connected to a house. If possible, sweep up the suspected termite swarmers and save them for us to identify for you.

Advantex Pest Control will be happy to schedule a
 FREE INSPECTION at our office or your home.

Note the location you find the swarmers at your home as this is often valuable evidence needed by the technician who will conduct the inspection.  A thorough onsite inspection will determine the severity of the problem and what (if any) treatments are necessary.

We recommend a visual determination by a licensed pest control professional as the ONLY reliable method to diagnose your problem. Without an accurate diagnosis, or mis-diagnosis, the termite infestation could continue unabated at your property costing thousands of dollars in damage. 

Once again, if you suspect a termite infestation at your home, Advantex Pest Control can provide you a FREE INSPECTION of the problem area. CALL TODAY ! ! !

DRYWOOD TERMITES-

Drywood termites are also encountered in our operating area. The entomology of this insect is similar to subterranean termites except for one major difference; drywood termites do not base their colony in the soil.

A drywood termite survives in colonies above ground. You will NOT find any “Dirt tubes” in drywood termite infestations. The most common clue to a drywood termite infestation is a pile of tiny pellets below the area of the infestation.

Treating a drywood termite infestation is different than a treatment for subterranean termites. Fumigation is generally the prescribed treatment to completely rid a home of this pest. In some circumstances, the possibility exists that a more localized treatment could be done to eliminate an infestation. Only an Advantex Pest Control technician can accurately assess the feasibility of utilizing this option.

Once again, if you suspect a termite infestation at your home, Advantex Pest Control can provide you a FREE INSPECTION of the problem area. CALL TODAY ! ! !

DAMPWOOD TERMITES

 This type of termite is generally found in moist, coastal regions in California. There have been some rare occasions where infestations were located in the Sacramento area. Should this type of termite be found at your home, we will gladly discuss methods to eliminate them.