The Best Way To Protect Your Fort Bragg Home From Termites

Here in Fort Bragg, termites can be a problem any time of year. The adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, is especially true with this pest. Fort Bragg pest control companies know all too well how much damage termites can cause.

Active termite colonies can go unnoticed for years if you don’t have regular termite inspections. Working to prevent them can save a lot of stress, time, and money; the damage is usually quite extensive by the time you see signs of termites in your home. Read on to learn more about termites, why they invade our homes, and how best to prevent them.

The Life Cycle Of Common Termites

Three types of termites are common in our area — dampwood, drywood, and subterranean termites. Termite kings and queens can live for decades, while individual workers last for several years. When colonies are mature, they will start to produce reproductives. These winged termites come in swarms, usually between spring and fall. 

Two winged termites will mate and begin to produce eggs to start their colony. In the first year, they will only produce a few eggs that turn into nymphs. Once the queen matures, though, some species will create tens of thousands of eggs a year. 

This life cycle makes it especially important to work closely with a termite expert near you who can provide annual termite inspections. Stopping a colony in its early stages can help avoid termite damage in your home.

Why Termites Infest And Destroy Wooden Structures

Termites destroy wooden structures by consuming wood. They work 24/7, never taking a break, eating through the wood in your home. Different termites prefer woods with different moisture content, and in our area, that covers just about every home. 

The following are the three most common termites in our area and what attracts them to our homes:

• Drywood termites thrive in the hard, dry wood of our homes. Because they live in the wood they excavate, it can be especially challenging to notice the signs of these termites in your home. 

• Dampwood termites prefer dampened wood and thrive in cool, humid areas. We typically find them in beach houses around Fort Bragg.

• Subterranean termites seek high moisture content, typically in water-damaged wood. These termites generally cause more damage than any other species. 

A termite problem can cause severe damage to your home if left unchecked.

How To Identify And Remove Factors That Attract Termites

The key to avoiding termite damage in your house is knowing what attracts them and putting preventative measures in place. We highly recommend a thorough termite inspection with a professional company to find out potential areas of your home that may attract termites. 

Active termites seek wood to consume, and the structural wood in our homes is an ideal place. When inspecting the outside of your home, seal any small cracks and crevices they could use to get inside. Keep an eye out for any areas with leaks or moisture problems, and remove any water-damaged wood. 

The Key To Total Termite Control For Fort Bragg Properties

Whether dealing with subterranean, dampwood, or drywood termites, working with a termite expert near you is the safest and most effective option. 

At Mendo Lake Termite Control, our expert technicians can perform a thorough termite inspection to check for these pests. If your home is clear, we can recommend prevention techniques, and if you have a termite problem, we can address it before any severe damage. Contact us today to request your consultation and keep your home safe from these destructive pests.