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How To Prepare For Termites In Ventura County

As one of the most destructive pests, if not the most damaging pest you can have in your Ventura County home, termites are responsible for billions of dollars worth of property damage each year. As subtle as the signs can be for termite infestations, it can take years before homeowners realize they’ve got a problem on their hands, and by that time, it may be too late.

Termites can be a worry, and homeowners should know how termites can affect them when termite season begins. Homeowners need to know what kind of damage they can cause, how you can prepare for them, and how pest control in Ventura County may be able to help with your potential termite issues. 

hundreds of termites going into a ground hole

Termite Season Begins

Like many pests, there are certain times of the year when termites tend to be more active, although the specific time can depend on the type of termite. For subterranean termites, the most common termite type in the country (and Ventura County), termite season begins during the spring.

Subterranean termites may begin swarming on a warm day after a recent rainfall while the environment is still wet from the rain. Drywood and dampwood termites, which aren’t as common but can still appear in Ventura County, tend to swarm closer to the late summertime.

While it’s important to be on the lookout for termites during the spring or summer, this isn’t the only time they can cause damage or infest your home. Termites can cause damage during any part of the year, although you may see more obvious signs of their presence during termite season. For many homeowners, you may not see the actual termite swarms on your property, but you may find the evidence they leave behind – like piles of discarded wings left near windowsills, doors, and other entrances of your home.

The best way to catch a termite infestation early is usually by having a professional from Ventura Pest Control perform an annual inspection on your property.

Termites Cause Significant Damage

Termites might be tiny in size, but the damage they can cause in your Ventura County home is significant. On average, homeowners who discover a termite infestation spend around $3,000 or more repairing the damage termites caused.

The amount of damage caused by termites can vary based on a couple of factors – the type of termite, how big the colony is, and how quickly the infestation is recognized. Generally, a small colony of termites can eat a single foot of a 2x4 wooden beam within five to six months. Larger colonies of termites, which can grow into the millions, can eat up to a pound of wood per day.

Unfortunately, termite infestations and the damage they cause tend to go unnoticed for up to eight years because the signs are subtle. Some of the most common signs that your home may have termite damage include:

  • Drywall that looks like it’s peeling or bubbling

  • Ceilings or floors that are swelling or buckling

  • Walls and floors appear water-damaged

  • Your drywall sounds hollow when you tap on it

  • Mud tubes that spread around the foundation of your home

If you notice any signs of termite damage or are worried about termites on your property, please reach out to your local pest professional immediately.

Things You Can Do To Prepare For Termites

Is there anything you can do to prepare for termites? Termites can be tricky to prepare or prevent, but there are several things you can do to make your home less enticing to these pests, such as:

  • Try to reduce the moisture and humidity in crawlspaces, basements, and attics.

  • Avoid storing wood and firewood against the foundation of your home. 

  • Regularly ensure you’re keeping gutters clear and there’s no moisture build-up near your foundation.

  • Keep wooden siding at least six inches or more above the soil. 

  • Regularly inspect fences or other wooden structures around your property for rotted or infested wood.

  • Have a pest control professional perform annual termite inspections in and around your home.

Despite your best efforts, you still may find yourself dealing with a termite problem. In the end, to prevent termites or eliminate an infestation, partner with the experts at Ventura Pest Control.

Professional Termite Control

Whether you’ve got an existing termite infestation, are worried you may have these critters, or want to prepare for the future, the best way to ready yourself for a termite attack in Ventura County is by working with Ventura Pest Control. We’ve been battling termites in Ventura County, California, and surrounding areas for decades, and we have yet to lose a fight. If you’re interested in learning more about termite control in Ventura County or want to schedule an inspection, call us today at Ventura Pest Control to learn more.