FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How do I know I have termites?
A. There are four (3) species
of wood-destroying termites in Southern California.
Drywood, Subterranean and Dampwood Termites
. Drywood termites are the most common termites
found About 78% of structures inspected each
year are infested with this type. Subterranean
about 26% and dampwood termites are about 2%.
Drywood termites leave piles of droppings or
pellets near their nest. They also swarm on
warm days leaving the nest to breed. Swarmers
look like red ants with wings. Actually they
have a red head and long brown body. Subterranean
termites are ground dwelling and build tubes
to access their food. Look for mud tubes or
swarmers in the spring months. Subterranean
swarmers look like small black water ants with
wings. The easiest way to identity flying ants
from termites is to check the insect's wings.
If the wings are short stubby and end at the
rear end of the insect, it is a flying ant.
If the wings are long, tear-shaped and twice
the length of the insect, it is a termite. Also
hollow wood is very good indication.
