The biggest problem with termites is that you usually don't see them or the damage they cause until it's too late. In fact, the annual cost of termite damage to buildings in the United States is greater than that of fires, storms and floods combined.
Termites are extremely well organized and they can find a way inside any structure, regardless of its construction. That's why we offer advanced treatment methods for termite control and elimination.
Whatever home you own or operate, let us be your line of defense against termite invasions. We can even help protect condominiums and multi-family units.
WOOD DESTROYING PESTS
DAMAGE TO WOOD BY INSECTS
Wood boring insects may be grouped conveniently into those which damage: 1) standing trees or newly felled logs; 2) sawn timber and wood products during seasoning or storage; and 3) wood in use. They may also be further grouped as to whether they attack hardwoods or softwoods or attack heartwood or sapwood. Certain insect species attack more than one of these groups.
Three things are necessary for insect attack - a source from which the infestation spreads, susceptible wood, and suitable conditions of temperature and humidity. Relatively little is known about some factors which make certain woods more attractive to insects than others, but insects are often quite selective. Fungal decay in wood often renders it more susceptible to infestation, but may also repel insects. Some insects may tolerate wide ranges of physical conditions; others cannot survive great fluctuations in temperature or humidity. Prevention of attack by insects is sometimes closely related to the proper handling of lumber during milling and storage.
Signs of damage
Insect attack is generally characterized by tunnels or cavities (often containing wood powder or fecal pellets) within the wood. In many cases there are holes of various shapes and sizes on the surface. The wood powder (frass) may be pushed out through the holes, forming small piles beneath or on the surface of infested wood, indicating that adults have emerged recently or that live insects are working inside the wood. Sometimes, when attack is severe, the wood may be reduced to a hollow shell or to a powdery condition. In other cases, there may be very little external evidence of attack, and the interior condition of the wood can only be determined by probing with a sharp instrument or by striking or pounding the surface (sounding) to detect hollows by sound differences.
It is essential to accurately identify the cause of the damage and to distinguish insect damage from other factors involved in the deterioration of wood. Failure to appreciate these points often results in unnecessary treatments.
Three Types of Termites Common In California
Termite Biology
The Western Subterranean Termite
The Drywood Termite
Dampwood Termites
Powderpost Beetles
Wood-Boring Beetle Inspection Guides
Other Wood Destroying Pests
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter Bee
