TERMITE CONTROL

Termite infestation is one of the most persistent pest problems that southern California homeowners face. These voracious insects feed on wood, hollowing out and destroying all the wooden products they can access, including furnishings, walls, and doors. The extensive damage caused by termites can compromise the structural integrity of your home, leading to costly repairs and potentially hazardous living conditions. What makes termites particularly insidious is their ability to remain practically undetectable. Their activity often takes place behind wooden structures and surfaces, leaving most homeowners unaware of an infestation until it has already spiraled out of control.

Southland Pest Control is a premier termite control provider in Riverside, adept at handling all types of pests and infestations. We blend decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver reliable and effective pest management services to Riverside residents and businesses. Our commitment to excellence and innovation sets us apart in the industry, ensuring that our clients receive the highest standard of service.

Given the chronic nature of termite infestations, detecting and eliminating the source requires highly trained and professional specialists. Our team of experts is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to identify and eradicate termite colonies, ensuring that the problem is resolved thoroughly and efficiently. Preventing recurrence is a critical aspect of our service, and we take pride in our ability to provide long-lasting solutions.

At Southland Pest Control, we employ the most seasoned, thoroughly vetted, and skilled professionals to deliver the finest quality and most dependable extermination services. Our technicians undergo rigorous training and certification processes to stay updated on the latest industry standards and best practices. This dedication to continuous improvement ensures that our clients receive the most effective and innovative pest control solutions available.

We understand how hectic everyday life can be, which is why we offer hassle-free and certified termite extermination services at your convenience. Our flexible scheduling options allow us to accommodate your busy lifestyle, minimizing disruption to your daily routine. While we never compromise on quality, we also ensure our services are competitively priced so you don't have to put your home's health on hold. Our transparent pricing model means no hidden fees or surprises, providing peace of mind and exceptional value.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites get their name because they infest dry, exposed wood such as support beams, eaves, decks, and rooftops. Unlike other termite species that require moisture, drywood termites thrive in arid conditions, making them a common problem in many parts of California. These termites can be identified by their wings and swarming patterns, which are most prevalent in the fall and spring. However, in Los Angeles and Riverside counties, drywood termites can be active throughout the year due to the favorable climate.

Drywood termites are known for their ability to infest wooden structures without any contact with the soil. They create extensive networks of galleries within the wood, which weakens the structural integrity over time. Homeowners may notice small piles of frass (termite droppings) near infested areas, which is a telltale sign of their presence. Because they often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred, regular inspections and prompt treatment are crucial in managing drywood termite infestations.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites burrow through soil to infest submerged structures such as foundations, support beams, and fence posts. These termites are particularly harmful because they can cause extensive damage to a building’s foundation and other critical support structures. They build distinctive mud tubes, which act as termite superhighways, allowing them to access wooden structures above ground while maintaining the necessary moisture levels.

Subterranean termites are highly organized and operate in large colonies, making them capable of causing severe damage in a relatively short period. The mud tubes they construct are not only a means of travel but also provide protection from predators and environmental conditions. These tubes are often found along the exterior walls or foundations of a building, and their presence is a clear indication of an infestation.

Both Termites Damage Structures

Both drywood and subterranean termites pose significant risks to homeowners. Drywood termites can silently destroy the wooden elements of a home, while subterranean termites can undermine the very foundation upon which the house stands. Early detection and treatment are essential in preventing costly repairs and maintaining the integrity of the structure.

Regular inspections by a professional pest control service can help identify the early signs of termite activity. Southland Pest Control offers comprehensive termite inspection and treatment services designed to address both drywood and subterranean termite infestations. Our expert technicians are trained to detect even the slightest indications of termite presence and employ the latest techniques and treatments to eradicate these pests effectively.

Protecting your home from termites requires a proactive approach. Understanding the differences between drywood and subterranean termites and recognizing the signs of an infestation can save you from extensive damage and costly repairs. Trust Southland Pest Control to provide the expertise and solutions needed to keep your home termite-free.

Termite Inspection

Each year in the United States, termites cause millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses. Ignoring their presence can lead to significant financial burdens, costing thousands in repair and replacement. If left untreated for a long enough period, your home or structure may require extensive reconstruction, which can be both costly and time-consuming.

At Southland Pest Control, our inspections are tailored to meet the specific needs of the real estate industry. Our dedicated office staff is here to streamline the process of ordering a termite report, making it easier than ever before. If you are preparing to buy or sell a property in Los Angeles and Riverside counties, a comprehensive termite inspection report is essential.

We have assembled a team of termite inspection specialists with over 100 years of combined experience. Our licensed termite inspectors will visit the property and thoroughly investigate the structure for signs of termite damage and infestation. Using the latest detection methods and technology, they will meticulously examine every part of the building, from the foundation to the roof, ensuring no area is overlooked. Once the inspection is complete, our technicians will compile a detailed report for the buyer and/or seller, outlining any findings and recommended actions. We offer both residential and commercial property inspections, understanding the unique needs of different types of structures. Whether it’s a single-family home, an apartment complex, or a commercial building, our goal is to meet your requirements and exceed your expectations. Our reports are thorough and easy to understand, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about the property.

Los Angeles and Riverside counties are home to two primary types of termites: subterranean termites and drywood termites. Both types are active year-round and can cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. Subterranean termites, which build mud tubes to access structures, are particularly destructive to foundations and other structural supports. Drywood termites, on the other hand, infest dry, exposed wood and can silently destroy wooden elements within your home.

Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent substantial damage from either type of termite. Fortunately, each type of termite requires a different approach to treatment. At Southland Pest Control, we offer a range of effective termite treatments tailored to the specific needs of your infestation. Our treatment options include fumigation, heat treatment, orange oil treatment, and localized spot treatment. Each method is designed to target termites precisely, ensuring the most effective eradication while minimizing disruption to your daily life.

Fumigation involves sealing the structure and introducing a gas that penetrates all areas of the building, effectively killing all termites. Heat treatment raises the temperature within the structure to levels that are lethal to termites, providing a chemical-free solution. Orange oil treatment uses a naturally derived compound that is injected into infested wood, killing termites on contact. Localized spot treatment targets specific areas of infestation, allowing for a more focused approach. Choosing the right treatment depends on the extent and type of infestation, and our experienced technicians will work with you to determine the best course of action. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction ensures that your termite problem is resolved effectively and efficiently. Protecting your investment from termite damage is essential. Trust Southland Pest Control for thorough inspections, detailed reports, and effective treatments. We are dedicated to helping you maintain the value and integrity of your property, ensuring a termite-free environment for years to come.

Termite Trouble Spots

Any structure with wood looks and smells like a big juicy steak to termites. These pests have an uncanny ability to locate wood both by smell and by random searching, even when dirt, cement, or stucco hides the wood. There are certain situations that encourage problems with termites. Here are some common termite trouble spots.

Cracks in Concrete Foundations and Foundation Walls

Termites can exploit even the smallest cracks in concrete foundations and foundation walls to gain hidden access to the wood within a structure. Once inside, they can start causing damage without immediate detection.

Soil in Contact with Wood

Termites find it easy to access wood when it is in direct contact with soil. This includes scenarios such as posts set directly in the ground, soil pushed up against the wood in a structure, concrete porches filled with soil that rests against wooden structural members, and wooden porch steps resting on soil. DIY projects often involve erecting wooden trellises or fences with posts directly in the ground, which then connect to the house, providing termites with a direct pathway to the structure.

Unsolved Moisture Problems

Termites need moisture to survive, and moisture problems can attract them to your home. Common sources of moisture that can lead to termite problems include poor grading that directs water toward a structure, dripping faucets and leaking pipes, and shrubbery or vines blocking airflow through ventilation openings, causing moisture to accumulate.

Extra Wood Sources

Additional wood sources around your home can attract termites, providing them with a starting point before they move into the main structure. These sources include tree stumps and large dead roots, buried form boards left from construction, wood chip mulching used in landscaping, and firewood stacked directly on the ground. When termites infest these extra wood sources, they often find their way into your home, leading to significant damage.

Prevention Tips

To minimize the risk of termite infestations, consider the following preventive measures. Seal cracks in concrete foundations and foundation walls. Avoid direct contact between soil and wood by using concrete or metal supports for posts and other structures. Ensure proper drainage around your home to prevent moisture accumulation. Fix any leaking pipes or faucets promptly. Maintain good airflow through ventilation openings by keeping shrubbery and vines trimmed. Remove tree stumps, dead roots, and other wood debris from around your property. Store firewood and other wood materials off the ground and away from the main structure. By addressing these common trouble spots and implementing preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of termite infestations and protect your home from costly damage.

Termite Wood Damage & Structural Defects

Natural forces like earthquakes and tornadoes can cause widespread destruction. Fortunately, these events have taught us valuable lessons about the types of homes and buildings most likely to sustain damage. It turns out that strong forces “pick on” homes and buildings with structural defects. Homes that are well-built and properly maintained are more likely to withstand major calamities in much better shape.

A structural defect can result from design or construction flaws, making your home inherently weaker. Weakening can also be caused by anything that attacks structural wood, such as beetles, fungi, termites, and carpenter ants. Unchecked, these pests can reduce the strength of wood by as much as 80%, leaving your home highly susceptible to extensive damage. The stronger the force, the more likely it will cause severe, and perhaps irreparable, damage to the compromised home.

For example, a porch column with a masonry exterior can conceal termite-damaged wood inside. During an earthquake, this column could break, while an intact column might have remained unscathed. This scenario underscores the importance of vigilance in maintaining your home and keeping it free of wood-destroying pests. Regular inspections and timely repairs are crucial. If necessary, don't hesitate to have inaccessible areas opened so they can be inspected for hidden damage.

These are just a few of the many situations that can lead to trouble with termites and other wood-damaging pests. Regular professional inspections can identify these and other less obvious conditions that may lead to problems.

Termite Control Treatment Options

While most pest control companies in California rely solely on local termite control treatment methods, this is not only an unreliable response to this persistent problem, but it also offers major health risks to your family, particularly children and pets. Most termite powders in the market are ineffective in controlling termites, as well as hazardous and life-threatening to animals and humans. There are a few treatment options available for full termite control. Based on your needs and budget, our technicians will make their recommendations after a thorough inspection of your structure. We provide dependable and skilled termite control services for residential and commercial properties. Our highly educated and experienced professionals are well equipped to provide termite removal that is safe and comprehensive, with a 2-year warranty. Upon arrival and inspection, our expert technicians will help you determine the best treatment options to exterminate termites from your property completely, and will guide you through with prevention strategies for the future.