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Swarmers
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Drywood
termites
Almost half of all termite infestations in California
are Drywood termites. Often times, the homeowner will not know
that they have this species because the colony resides entirely
inside of the wood that they infest. This termite is the cause
for the "sawdust" in your home. This sawdust appearing
substance is termite pellets. Usually, the only time an untrained
professional would notice this termite is once damage has become
noticeable or it is swarming season. (Swarming season for this
species is typically from September to November). Contact FTC
for an inspection so we can give you a full report of findings
for your home today. |
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Subterranean
termites
Subterranean termites differ from Drywood termites
in that this species colony resides completely underground.
The colony can be anywhere from 5 to 25 feet below the surface
of the soil and be many feet away from your property. To survive
this species must have contact to the soil at all times. To
determine if you have subterranean termites, you would keep
an eye out for dirt/mud tubes coming from concealed areas
(walls, baseboards, sub-flooring etc...) Also, this termite
swarms typically in the spring time after the rains. With
today's popular slab construction, it has become extremely
difficult to detect these termites. So, don't wait for your
house to incur damage, contact FTC for an inspection now!
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Dampwood
Termites
These termites often infest wood that is already
decaying or very spongy due to moisture. |
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Workers/Soldiers
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Formosan
Termites
This
species of termite might be referred to as the "killer"
termite. This termite has caused a state of emergency like
New Orlean's French Quarter. With live trees falling down
along the street, New Orleans felt first hand the power of
destruction these termites possess. While this termite is
referred to as a subterranean termite, it can live free of
any ground contact so long as it has adequate moisture. This
species is known for creating a "nest" in wall voids
called cartons. This colony has the ability to destroy one
2x4 per month. This termite is more prevalent in the East
however, they ARE in Southern California. Contact FTC now.
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Dryrot/Fungus
This insidious organism is caused by the moisture
levels in wood reaching an unacceptable level. It doesn't take
long before the spores germinate and the fungus spreads. This
organism can be a very serious threat to a home because it will
not die by simply lowering the moisture, only lie dormant until
the moisture levels rise again. it must be removed completely
before the problem is solved. If left unchecked, the fungus
can spread throughout a home causing tremendous amounts of damage.
It can take as little as a toilet leak or a plumbing leak to
start the process. If you notice any discoloration or soft spongy
wood you may have Dryrot/Fungus and it needs immediate attention.
Contact FTC for an inspection now. |
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Carpenter
Bees
These large black bees are often confused with
bumble bees. To tell the difference, the bumble bee will have
hair on their abdomen, where the carpenter bee will be bare.
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Carpenter
Ants
These
are large black ants that colonize inside the wood. Their colonies
typically start outside of the home, but may find its way inside.
While these are not as common as termites, they can cause considerable
damage. |
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Wood
Boring Beetles
These beetles actually infest your wood and produce
a very fine powder, similar to flour. |
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Ant
vs Termite
These ants look like termites but don't be fooled...
the real predators are the ones below. Notice the double segmented
hourglass body, centered wings, and segmented feelers.. |
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Termite
vs Ant
On a swarming termite the body is a single segment,
the wings are both on the right, and the feelers are not segmented... |
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