Why Homes in the Bay Area Need Termite Control Services
You might think San Francisco and the Bay Area would not be prone to termites due to the milder and cooler temperatures found in Northern California. However, this is not the case because termites can thrive in cooler regions of the county. In fact, termites are found in every U.S. state, except for Alaska. As such, it is a good idea to learn the signs of termites to help spot infestations.
In the Bay Area, there are two primary species of termites, which are subterranean termites and dry wood termites. Subterranean termites like to live in the ground and only come out when they need to find sources of food.
They will build mud-like tunnels for protection to access sources of wood. These can be found on the side of garages, houses, sheds, decks, and other such structures. They use the tunnels to access the home while carrying back the wood they eat to the colony in the ground.
Drywood termites do not need to live below ground. They can live quite comfortably in an attic, in between the walls in your home, or in other areas where they have direct access to dry wood. Another difference of this species is they can live for longer periods of time without water.
There are also dampwood termites in Northern California. This species tends to be less of a hassle for homeowners because they prefer the damp, rotting wood typically found in the forests, although you do need to be aware of them since they can damage homes that have problems that create damp wood conditions, like slow-leaking pipes.
Why Are Termites a Problem in the Bay Area?
The Bay Area did have numerous fruit orchards at one point. Even though most of them are gone, in some cases entire trees were buried in the ground, thus providing subterranean and damp wood termites with a perfect food source.
Not to mention, there are numerous forests, parks, and other wooded areas nearby that support the termite colony. While you might protect your home with regular treatments and inspections, termite colonies are left to thrive in nature. They do provide a valuable service in breaking down dry or wet, decaying and rotting wood.
The moderate weather conditions of the Bay Area also help support termite colonies. They like the moist and damp weather found in this area. This is why swarming season can last much longer than the spring and continue into the summer months.
Protecting Your Bay Area Home
Since it is impossible to fully eradicate termites in nature, the next best solution is with prevention. The best way to do this is with regular termite control inspections and treatments of your Bay Area home.
Once your risks have been determined, then an appropriate prevention treatment plan can be developed, from creating barriers to stop termites from crossing closer to your home to have your entire home treated with orange oil.
To learn more about prevention, treatment, and extermination options for termites, please feel free to contact MightyMite Termite Services at 408-377-3761 today!