There are three main types of termites in California: Drywood, Dampwood and Subterranean. When colonizing, all three can have substantial affects on your home.
- Drywood Termites – 3/8″ -1″ long
- Dampwood Termites – 1/2″-5/8″ long
- Subterranean Termites – 1/8″ long
Drywood Termites
Drywood termite adult soldiers are yellow to light brown in color and have large wings during swarming season. They leave small pellets as feces known as “frass.” Drywood termites have wings. They use these wings to leave existing colonies and form new ones in surrounding areas. Both male and female drywood termites have wings for the purpose of reproduction and colonizing in new locations. Once they have recolonized, they discard their wings. If you see wings or frass in your house, that is a clear indication that you have termites.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites prefer wood with higher moisture contents and can be found in coastal and high humidity areas. While less likely to infest a structure, areas with regular water contact like drainage HVAC or leaking plumbing will attract dampwood termites. They are dark brown to reddish in color and typically have smaller sized colonies.
Subterranean Termites
The biggest threat to a San Diego County home are subterranean termites or Formosan termites. They can support large colonies underneath homes and are most commonly the cause of substantial structural damage. Like the drywood termite, they too grow wings and recolonize during swarming season. Due to their subterranean nature and smaller size, they are often harder to detect in a home. They also resemble San Diego carpenter ants to the uninitiated. Swarming season is a clear indication that a termite problem exists and should be addressed immediately.
Termite Swarming Season
The Desert Subterranean Termite and Western Drywood Termite both swarm at night in California. The Drywood Termite typically swarms between September and November. The Subterranean Termite swarms between July and November but smaller swarms can take place during many months of the year. Due to the mild climate of San Diego, there is no real “termite season” here. Be on the watch for termites year round with their discarded wings and frass being the main indicators.
If you notice evidence of termites, contact us for termite treatment immediately.