The Key To Spotting Termite Problems In Oceanside

Termite infestations are a homeowner's worst nightmare. These persnickety pests are notoriously difficult to detect, well organized, and will wreak havoc in your home in a short period of time. 

Termites organize themselves through a caste system. There are three primary castes in a termite colony: workers, soldiers, and reproductives. 

• Workers are creamy-white ¼ to ½ inch long and seldom seen unless a termite tube or infested wood is broken open. 
• Soldiers are smaller in size with elongated yellowish heads and large jaws. Members of this caste are fewer in number than workers and must rely on workers to feed them. Their role in the colony is to defend against any breach of the nest or tubes.
• Reproductive termites include the king, queen, alate nymphs, and secondaries. Queens and males are dark brown or black and ⅜ to ½ inch long. These caste members have two pairs of translucent wings of equal length that break off during swarming. Swarming termites are the only members of the species found in the open - and then only when they are actively swarming. This makes detection a significant challenge.

You won't see workers, soldiers, or most reproductive out in the open. When colonies get large enough, winged termites will emerge to find a sister colony nearby. 

Spotting Swarmers On Your Oceanside Property

The first and most visible sign of a termite problem in your Oceanside property is evidence of swarming. Often, this can be as subtle as finding the discarded, translucent wings of swarmers. Swarms typically happen in the spring when the sun is shining after a rainfall. They are the only instance in which termites will expose themselves to light. Swarmers will emerge from doors and windows, crawling or fluttering for a short time as they mate and break off wings. Each swarming pair attempts to locate moist wood in contact with soil to start a new colony. While no damage is done by winged forms, swarming termites (or their wings) are a sure sign that termites are at work.

Subtle Signs Of Termites In Your Oceanside Home

Other signs of termite infestation are mud tubes found on basement foundation walls, wooden posts, studs, mudsills, door and window trim. Often these tubes are in warm yet hard to inspect places around furnaces, chimneys, water heaters, and hot water pipes. Any wood material is a potential food source for termites, but they may damage non-wood materials in search of food. Termites rarely show themselves in the open, and infestations can be difficult to detect until damage is severe. Often wood material can be probed with a screwdriver or ice pick to locate infested wood. The surface of severely damaged wood may appear blistered or peeling as the termites hollow out and leave a paper-thin surface. Homeowners spend billions of dollars annually on termite control and repairs in the US alone. Typically, noticeable damage results from years of an undetected infestation.

Successful Solutions To Your Termite Problems

Time is of the essence; contact Bull's Eye Pest Control at the first sign of termites. Our team of pest control professionals understands the habits and biology of these pests. We will inspect your home and develop a customized plan that fits your needs. Whether you're worried about a current termite problem or aiming to avoid a future one, we have the solution for you. Reach out to us today to learn more about our termite control options.