If you are a homeowner in California, you need to know termite fundamentals: how to identify an infestation, when to expect a swarm, and what to do if you discover termites in your home.

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How to tell if you have a termite infestation

Termites damage 600,000 homes in the United States per year causing homeowners to spend $5 billion annually to control termites and repair damage.

Termites are so destructive because they eat wood from within and can cause damage for months without you realizing it. By the time you notice a termite problem, the damage to your home will be irreparable.

Here are the early warning signs of a termite infestation homeowner should know:

Blistered floors. These areas on your floor are signal termites are feeding on your floors or subfloors. Your wood flooring may feel spongy or look as if it has water damage.

Mud tubes. Subterranean termites create pencil-sized tunnels to protect themselves while traveling from their home to yours. You’ll find mud tubes around termite nests, wood structures, and your home’s foundation.

Discarded wings. Termites fly in swarms when they leave the nest and drop their wings before moving in. Check your windowsills for discarded wings and termite droppings.

Hollow-sounding walls. Routinely knock on your walls, floorboards, and other wood structures in your home. If there is a hollow sound, you likely have a termite infestation.

Call a termite professional immediately if you notice small holes in your drywall, peeling paint, or buckling floorboards.

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Are termites a problem in California?

Termites in California are active and widespread. Over 90% of California is located in Termite Infestation Probability Zone #1 while the remaining portion is ranked the second-highest termite risk category.

If you are a homeowner in California you need to be able to identify termites to create a control plan. Here are the two most common types of termites that cause damage in California and when they swarm:

Subterranean termites

These termites live in colonies and build their nests underground. Worker termites construct sprawling tunnels made of mud and saliva to access your home and their food source. They’ll cause damage rapidly and the only evidence they leave behind are pencil-sized mud tunnels on your foundation.

Subterranean termites are the most destructive termites in California and the ones you’ll likely encounter when they swarm during the rainy season in the fall or winter.

Drywood termites

These termites love dry wood and spread through travel and commerce. Drywood termites need very little moisture, which allows them to survive without connection to the ground and form multiple colonies in your home.

You’ll want to keep an eye out for droppings on your windowsill—no matter the weather—because drywood termites swarm year-round.

Pro-Tip Check for discarded wings and droppings during the swarming season to catch a termite infestation in its early stages.

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What to do if you have termites

If you notice early warning signs of termites infestation, immediately call a termite technician to arrange for an inspection and professional treatment plan.

Termite treatment options will vary depending on the type of termite and the severity of the infestation. Here are the treatment options a professional may use:

Bait systems: Stations will be placed around your property to lure termites away from your home and the worker termites will carry the agent back to their nest. This method uses a control agent to kill moderate termite infestations.

Liquid and foam sprays: The perimeter of your home will be treated with a liquid or foam control agent to create a barrier that kills termites on contact. The exterminator will use this method to control a subterranean termite infestation.

Fumigation: Cases of serious infestation and drywood termites call for fumigation. A pest professional will tent your entire property and use a fumigant to penetrate all the surfaces in your home to kill the termites.

Termite treatment plans may require using multiple products, methods, and preventative measures to eradicate the colonies.

Pro-Tip Do not attempt natural or do-it-yourself solutions as they’ll likely cause termites to move and damage other parts of your home.

How to save money on homeowners and car insurance

Identifying a termite infestation early on will prevent damage and save you thousands of dollars. You can continue saving by shopping for

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FAQs

Do most homes in California have termites?

Unfortunately, 90% of California is located in a heavy-risk Termite Infestation Probability Zone. If you live in northern California your home is at moderate risk for termite damage.

How often should you treat for termites in California?

The rate at which you treat your home for termites depends on the treatment method you use and your control plan. You should re-treat every five years for liquid termite treatments and monitor bait stations every few months.

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