Subterranean Termite

About Subterranean Termites
Western subterranean termites are highly destructive. In large number, this species of termite will rapidly devour wood, leaving a thin external shell, packed with moist soil. Subterranean termites thrive in moist, humid locations, as they construct vast underground nests.  All the cities in California, like, Los Angeles, Riverside & Huntington Beach are prone to subterranean termite infestation.

Subterranean termites are smaller than the drywood and dampwood species. They are black in color and are often confused as carpenter ants.

Unlike the drywood termite, the subterranean termite has a true working cast. Their colony numbers far exceed the drywood termite by the thousands: Causing millions of dollars worth of damage and severe economic loss to homeowners everywhere.

 

Subterranean termites swarm in the spring.  This is between the months of March – May for those who live in the California area we serve (Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside).  Swarming usually follows rain or high humidity. A homeowner can inadvertently trigger a swarm by watering their lawn or hosing down the driveway. Swarming most often occurs during the morning at 70 degree temperatures. When they do swarm thousands of termites can be released by the queen.

Western subterranean termites have acute survival instincts. If their nest is disturbed, the termites may abandon the area and re-establish themselves in another area of the structure. They can pass through a 1/8 inch crack between adjoining concrete, floor tiles, and other inconspicuous areas.