Bay Area homeowners face termite pressure from two distinct species with different behaviors, different signs, and different treatment approaches. Understanding the difference is the first step to effective protection.
Subterranean Termites: The Underground Threat
The western subterranean termite (Reticulitermes hesperus) is the most destructive structural pest in California. These termites live in underground colonies that can number in the millions and access above-ground wood through mud tubes they build for moisture. They are active year-round in the Bay Area and are capable of causing significant structural damage before being detected.
Treatment options: Liquid soil termiticide barriers create a treated zone around the foundation that kills termites as they pass through. Termite bait systems place monitored stations around the property that workers carry back to the colony. Both are effective; the right choice depends on your property and the extent of activity.
Drywood Termites: The Interior Colonizers
Drywood termites (Incisitermes minor) do not need soil contact. They live inside the wood they consume and spread through swarming in summer and fall. Their damage is slower to accumulate than subterranean termites, but widespread infestations can be significant. The primary sign is frass — hexagonal fecal pellets — found below infested wood.
Treatment options: Localized treatments work for isolated infestations. Whole-structure fumigation is the most comprehensive approach for widespread drywood termite activity throughout a home.
Choosing the Right Partner
Termite control requires a state-licensed professional. ATCO’s termite inspections are thorough, our recommendations are specific to your situation, and our treatments are applied by experienced technicians who stand behind their work. Contact us for a termite inspection.