Termite Damage Repair in Southern California

There are three types of termites that are commonly found in Southern California: drywood termites, subterranean termites, and dampwood termites.

Drywood termites are the most common type of termite found in Southern California. They live in dry, sound wood and do not require contact with soil to survive. This means that they can be found anywhere in a home, including in furniture and framing. Drywood termites are often difficult to detect because they live inside the wood and do not create visible mud tubes or tunnels. Signs of drywood termite infestation may include the presence of piles of tiny pellets that resemble sawdust or sand.

Subterranean termites live in the soil and build mud tubes that allow them to travel from the soil to the wood they consume. These termites are often found in the foundation of a home or in wooden structures that come into contact with the ground. Signs of subterranean termite infestation may include the presence of mud tubes along the foundation or walls of a home, or the presence of swarming termites in the spring.

Dampwood termites are less common in Southern California, but they can still cause significant damage to a home. They prefer to live in moist, decaying wood and are often found in areas with high humidity, such as crawl spaces or attics. Signs of dampwood termite infestation may include the presence of wings or swarms of termites, or the presence of frass (termite droppings) near wooden structures.

The signs of termite damage can vary depending on the type of termite infestation and the extent of the damage. In general, signs of termite damage may include: 

• Hollow or damaged wood: Termites can eat away at the inside of wooden structures, leaving them hollow or weakened.
• Sagging floors or ceilings: As termites eat away at the wooden structures of a home, the floors and ceilings may begin to sag or buckle.
• Peeling paint or wallpaper: When termites eat away at the wood behind the paint or wallpaper, it can cause it to peel or bubble.
• Piles of tiny pellets: Drywood termites create tiny pellets that resemble sawdust or sand. These piles may be found near infested wood.
• Mud tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes that allow them to travel from the soil to the wood they consume. These tubes may be found along the foundation or walls of a home.
• Swarms of termites: When termites swarm, they may be visible around a home or inside a home. Swarming termites may indicate a new infestation or an established colony.
  

Repairing Termite Damage

If you suspect that your home has termite damage, it is important to take action as soon as possible. The longer you wait to repair the damage, the more expensive and extensive the repairs may become.