Subterranean Termite Identification & Prevention

Subterranean termites are termites that nest under the ground. Their workers leave the nest daily to forage for food to bring back to the colony. The Eastern subterranean termite is the most widespread species to live throughout much of the United States. Eastern subterranean termites live together in large colonies; a single colony may have hundreds of thousands of members.  

The subterranean termite has high moisture needs and prefers to invade and feed on decaying or watered-damaged pieces of wood. The best way to stop subterranean termites in Orange County, CA from invading your property is to partner with a local and experienced professional.

Termites are dangerous if an infestation is not caught early because their feeding habits cause considerable damage to the structures they're feeding on. Across the country, termites are responsible for generating more than five billion dollars in damage each year. Adding insult to injury is the unfortunate fact that most homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite damage.Subterranean termites prefer to feed on water-damaged wood. They invade buildings and attack structural wood, which, over time, damages the structural integrity of the building. A termite problem can occur in any of our Orange County, CA homes, so being proactive against these pests is the best way to avoid the costly damage these pests create.

Subterranean termites typically find their way inside while out foraging for food. Worker termites are tiny and can easily move through cracks in the foundation or pieces of wood, making direct contact with the ground. Once inside your home, they travel to moisture-rich areas and infest pieces of wood. 

The high moisture needs of subterranean moisture mean that excess moisture in the soil around the perimeter can draw these insects to your houses. Leaky pipes, dripping fixtures, air conditioners, and hoses can create excess water, leading to a termite problem.

Subterranean termites are social insects dividing their members into castes: reproductives, soldiers, and workers. Working together, termites will build and care for their colony. Most of the colony is made up of worker termites. Workers are responsible for finding and gathering food, caring for young termites, and maintaining the nest. 

Worker termites are active year-round and leave the nest each day. Unlike other social insects, like ants, you won't regularly see termites marching throughout your home. Subterranean termites live under the ground, travel through the soil or mud tubes, and feed on the interior of pieces of wood. Often it is termite damage noticed by homeowners, rather than seeing actual termites. 

Inside our houses, subterranean termites typically invade structural wood behind walls, under floors, and eventually above ceilings. Structural wood near drains, water pipes, vents, windows, doors, sinks, and tubs is most susceptible to water damage and is used as a food source by subterranean termites. Keeping termites out of your home and avoiding termite damage is key to maintaining the structure of your home.

Striking fear into the hearts of property owners across the country, wood-eating termites can cause costly and sometimes irreversible damage inside any home or business they invade. It's a good thing we are the experts on eliminating all termites. 

We are North America's largest fumigation company, dedicated to our customers and providing safe and effective termite treatments. The PEST Group is the premier termite control company in the U.S. Give us a call today, and we can solve any termite problem you have; we guarantee it.

With over 250 years of combined leadership experience, The PEST Group is the best choice to rid your Orange County, CA home or business of termites. If you are looking for experienced, dedicated professionals to eliminate wood-eating termites from your property, contact The PEST Group and request your free termite inspection today!

In addition to our residential pest control and commercial pest control services, use the following tips to prevent issues with subterranean termites:

• Replace mulch with gardening materials like crushed rock, rubber mulch, or other non-organic options.

• Clean gutters to prevent water from entering your house along the roofline.

• Fix leaky pipes, faucets, or fixtures inside or outside your home.

• Ventilate crawlspaces.

• Do not overwater your lawn or garden areas.

• Limit soil-to-wood contact around your house and on your property.

• Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, old fences, and old wood piles from your property.

• Install weatherstripping around windows and doors to prevent rainwater from seeping into the walls of your home.

For year-round termite control services in Orange County, CA, contact the industry professionals at The PEST Group.