Why Are Termites Such An Issue In El Centro?

If there is one pest, all homeowners fear it is termites. Dubbed “silent destroyers,” termites cause billions of dollars worth of damage each year in the United States. Two different types of termites found in the El Centro area are drywood termites and subterranean termites. While subterranean and drywood termites can become a problem for El Centro residents, subterranean are the most common and the likely culprits of an infestation.

Although termites can be a disaster for a home, they play an essential role in the environment. As decomposers, termites help break down organic material, which is needed for new growth. Below, you will learn everything you need to know about termites, such as what they eat, how to spot an infestation, and how to get rid of them.

What You Need To Know About Termites In El Centro

Once a termite colony has established itself on a property, they are challenging to get rid of. Flying termites, called swarmers, will look for a new location to build a colony. Although they can be active all year round, termites typically are more active from spring to fall when there is more moisture.

What Do Termites Eat In El Centro?

Termites eat cellulose, which makes up plants, wood, and other organic materials. Different types of termites prefer different types of wood and materials. For example, subterranean termites like soft, decaying wood as opposed to drywood termites, which by their name you might be able to guess what they like. Also, drywood termites prefer hardwoods, which can make up flooring, furniture, and structural framing.

How Do You Know If You Have Termites In El Centro?

Above, we mentioned that termites are called “silent destroyers” because of the damage they cause, but we didn’t talk about why they are referred to as silent. This part of their nickname is because they can move onto a property undetected for weeks, months, and even years.

Signs of a termite infestation include:

• Swarmers: These flying termites are often the first sign of an infestation. Once they land, they will drop their wings, which is another way you can tell this pest has gotten into your home. Discarded wings can often be found in piles near baseboards and windowsills.

• Hard To Close Doors & Windows: High moisture is one of the main factors subterranean termites look for when choosing where to make their colony. Because of this, water damage usually accompanies an infestation. So if some doors and windows are difficult to close, there is a good chance there is a moisture issue.

• Clicking Sounds: If you hear soft clicking sounds coming from inside your walls, this can might be soldier termites warning the rest of their colony of danger.

• Damaged Or Hollow Wood: If your property is home to a termite colony, then you might find maze-like damage and wood that sounds hollow when you tap on it.

• Droppings & Frass: Termite droppings resemble ground-black pepper, and frass, which is created as termites eat wood, resembles sawdust.

• Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites need moist soil to survive, so they create mud tubes to travel from their nest in the soil to the food source. These tunnels can usually be found along the foundation and exterior walls.

Why Termite Control In El Centro Is Necessary

As mentioned above, termites are difficult to get rid of. The best termite removal comes from skilled and knowledgeable professionals when inspecting and treating this pest.

El Centro residents can rely on Imperial County Pest Control for the best termite prevention and removal services in El Centro. Give us a call today to find out more!