They say California has everything, and termites are no exception; the Golden State is home to three major kinds of termites: Subterranean, Drywood, and Dampwood. Those pests cause more damage to buildings than fires, floods, and storms combined, even in states like Florida that face disaster-level storms. That damage adds up to billions of dollars lost yearly and more spent on treatments.

In the Central Valley, at least, Dampwood termites aren't as prevalent since they tend toward the coastal parts of the state, preferring cooler and more humid conditions than the San Joaquin Valley offers. The other two species are major causes for concern, however.

Subterranean termites live in large colonies underground and tend to go after wood that makes contact with the ground. They prefer damp, rotting wood but eat any cellulose product, including paper and certain types of furniture. The colonies feed on that wood and dig through it, and in time can damage the home's structural integrity. Drywood termite colonies can reach as many as 2,500 members, and unlike their Subterranean family members, the Drywood species does not need wood that lies in direct contact with the soil.

One reason termites can do so much damage is that they're difficult to spot. They rarely emerge from the soil, so you must watch for the mud tubes they create as they tunnel through outside spaces. Those tubes are about the thickness of a pencil and are usually found near wooden beams or walls, foundations, and sometimes in crawl spaces. Termites also leave behind sawdust piles, and pellet-shaped droppings called frass that could tip off home and business owners that they have a problem.

If you suspect your home may be infested with termites, contacting an exterminator is crucial. A pest control professional can determine the best way to fight the problem, typically with a combination of barrier treatments, baits, various chemical treatments, and physical barriers keeping termites out of the property.

There are also things you can do to prevent infestations. Protection should have been laid down before the building's construction. Certain building design changes, like making sure siding doesn't go all the way to the ground and that the foundation is dry and well-ventilated, can help. Leaks should be fixed immediately, and vents should be clear of blockages. From there, your best bet is to contract with a trusted, licensed exterminator to do regular pest control on the property to keep termites away.

Alpha Charlie Exterminators is a veteran and locally owned and operated company. In the past, we dedicated ourselves to keeping our country safe; in our view, the work we do now is similar. We aim to ensure our community's pest control needs are taken care of, and we do so with cutting-edge technologies, top-quality products, and the newest and best pest control methods to get the job done right. Contact Fresno's #1 pest control service for an estimate.