It is Termite Season!

Ah, Spring.  In the world of pest control, Spring has another name: Termite Season.  We often say that there are two types of homes in Sacramento, those that have termites and those that will get termites.  These pests have been around for 120 million years, and they are not going anywhere anytime soon—all the more reason to protect your home.

Most instances of termites in the Sacramento area are from subterranean termites. These termites prefer to live underground. That is until they make their way into your home. They keep damp to survive and build mud tunnels to stay protected and travel from the ground to their preferred dining place in your home. They love to eat soft woods. If you see wood on your home with holes that appear like honeycomb, you more than likely have subterranean termites.

Another type of termite we see in the area is the Dry Wood Termite.  Unlike the subterranean termites, these guys do not need to be near the soil but prefer dry wood. The wood consumed by dry wood termites takes on a smooth appearance, and you most often find them dining on the support beams in your house, as well as in furniture or even expensive hardwood floors.

Much like the difference between Norway Rats, which are found in basements and the lower parts of a home, while Roof Rats are found in attics and the upper parts of the house, these two types of termites enter your home in very different ways.

Subterranean Termites, as the name implies, live in the dirt and come up from underground.  Dry wood termites enter a home through the attic or foundation vents.  They can enter your home by coming directly through wooden shingles or under shingles, eaves, and fascia boards.  They can also enter through cracks in window and door frames and sills.

Since these termites behave very differently, the way they are treated is also very different.  For dry wood termites, we are proud to be XT-2000 Orange Oil Certified.  Orange Oil is safe and non-toxic, and it kills dry wood termites on contact.  With Orange Oil treatments, you will not have to pack and leave your home, saving you time and money.

If you do not have a termite plan the start of termite season is the perfect time to get started. Contact Pinnacle Pest Control to discuss our termite treatment options.  If you believe you have a termite infestation or you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home and family are safe, call us at 916-381-5793.