Subterranean Termite & how we control this destructive pest in Riverside Ca.

The secret life of Subterranean termite and some key insights

Subterranean termites are a common and destructive pest in the Riverside, Corona and Southern California. These termites live underground and feed on the wood products including your home. They can cause extensive damage to a property if left untreated, making it essential for homeowners to be aware of the signs of an infestation and to take action to protect their homes. They can be very difficult to detect, often building shelter tubes. They avoid light. However, there are some signs that may indicate a termite infestation, including:

: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to access food sources, which can often be found on walls, foundations, or crawl spaces.
:Winged termites, also known as swarmers, may emerge from the colony and fly around lights or windows.
:Subterranean termites can cause extensive damage to wood structures, including floors, walls, and ceilings.

Mud tubes

Swarmer termites

Wood damage

The importance of Inspection when dealing with Subterranean Termites

The first step in protecting your home from subterranean termites is to have a termite inspection performed by a professional, like the best termite control company in Riverside, Tombstone Termite Control. Termites can be difficult to detect, as they often hide their damage behind walls, floors, and ceilings. They love moisture and are often found around bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens due to moisture. Our professional inspectors have the training and experience to identify the signs of a termite infestation, including mud tubes, sawdust-like debris, and live or dead termites. Any leaking or standing moisture is a factor and should be addressed. These termites are very destructive and tent fumigations will not kill them. It is important to hire a professional to perform a termite inspection and treatment because these pests can be difficult to eradicate without the proper training and equipment. Our team have the knowledge and experience to diagnose the problem and provide effective treatment options. Our expert licensed inspectors will pay close attention to areas like

Around pipes and drains: Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture, so they may infest areas around pipes and drains in the bathroom.
Behind tiles: Termites can eat through tiles and may create mud tubes behind them.

Foundation walls: Termites can enter a building through cracks in foundation walls, so the crawl space is a key area to inspect.
Wooden supports: Termites are drawn to wooden structures, so wooden supports in the crawl space are also a key area of focus.

Underneath cabinets: Termites can enter a home through plumbing or wiring channels, which are often located underneath cabinets.
Around appliances: Appliances that use water, such as refrigerators and dishwashers, can attract termites to the surrounding areas.

Behind walls: Termites may enter a home through gaps in walls, and the laundry room may be a prime area to inspect for signs of infestation.
Wooden structures: Like in the crawl space, wooden structures in the laundry room may be attractive to subterranean termites.

Around the perimeter: Our Inspectors will typically focus on the perimeter of a building's foundation, as termites can enter through cracks in the concrete or masonry.
Wooden structures: Termites are drawn to wooden structures, so wooden beams or supports in the foundation may be a prime area of focus.

Bathrooms

Crawl spaces

Kitchens

Laundry rooms

Foundations

Subterranean termite swarmers

Subterranean swarmers are reproductive termites that leave their colony in search of a mate and a new location to start a colony. These swarmers are typically dark brown or black and have wings that are nearly twice the length of their bodies.

Identifying subterranean termite swarmers can be difficult, as they only emerge from their colonies once a year during their mating season. However, there are certain signs to look for, such as discarded wings near windows, doors, or other entry points. Additionally, swarming termites may be seen flying around or crawling on walls, floors, or ceilings.

If you see swarmers or signs of swarming activity, it is important to contact a professional pest control company immediately. It means you have an exsisting infestation and the colony is expanding into other areas of the home. Our trained technicians can perform a thorough inspection and develop an effective treatment plan to eliminate the infestation and prevent future damage to your property.

Prevention strategies for subterranean termites and what you can do

Reduce moisture: Very important, Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture, so it is important to reduce moisture in and around your home. This can be done by fixing any leaks in pipes or faucets, making sure gutters and downspouts are properly functioning, and ensuring proper ventilation in crawl spaces and attics.
Eliminate wood-to-ground contact: Termites are drawn to wood, so it is important to eliminate any wood-to-ground contact around your home. This can be done by ensuring that wooden decks, porches, and fences are not directly attached to the soil.
Keep firewood away from your home: Termites can easily infest stacks of firewood, which can then spread to your home. Keep firewood stacked away from your home, cover it with a tarp, remove and wood that looks like it may be infested.
Inspect your home regularly: Regular inspections of your home can help detect signs of subterranean termite infestations early.

Subterranean termites and what we do to treat

Whole house treatments

Exposed framing and new constrution

Baiting systems

Probably the most effective and best way to treat subterranean termites is, drilling into the concrete around the perimeter of the home and injecting to soil below the slab with a termiticide. Address them at the source. . This allows for a targeted application of termiticide to ne introduced at their level. Highly effective and long lasting
Similar to the slab option trenching the soil around the perimeter of your home and applying termiticide can be effective at treating subterranean termite infestations.
If subterranean termites have infested exposed framing or foundation areas, direct treatment with termiticide can be effective. If we have access to the exposed framing ie. pretreatments and or whole house new construction treatments.
can be an effective treatment option for subterranean termites. Bait stations are placed around the perimeter of your home, and when termites are detected, they consume the bait and carry it back to the colony, effectively eliminating the entire colony. This will require a service and is not the most cost effective.

Perimeter treatments on raised foundations

Perimeter treatments on slab construction

Subterranean termite mud tubes in Riverside Ca. crawl space

Not always this obvious but this is an example of a subterranean termite mud tube. The termites build these tunnels and use them like highways to destory your home. Small but destructive

In conclusion, subterranean termites are a common and destructive pest in Riverside, Norco and Southern California. By hiring Riversides best termite company Tombstone Termite Control to perform a termite inspection and treatment, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that their property is protected from termite damage. With the help of our professionals, homeowners can ensure that their homes are free from subterranean termites and that their investments are protected for years to come.

Lic. #PR5946