About International Termite Co

Providing termite inspection Long Beach, California locals depend on!

One of the worst issues any household can experience is termite infestation. These silent destroyers slowly and gradually chew through your wallpapers, flooring, and wood. Fortunately, our professionals can help eliminate the problem regardless of the damage extent and severity. International Termite Co has a history of successful Long Beach termite control cases. Because termite infestation is pretty common in the US, thousands of customers have reached out to us till now for help. We have dealt with mild to moderate and severe cases and haven’t failed to please our customers. Our professionals inspect the termite damage severity and use a suitable solution to control pests. We blend Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with our unique termite control techniques to remove termites. Our goal doesn’t focus solely on termite elimination. Instead, we aim to identify the root cause of the problem. For instance, your home structure may have cracks or locked moisture that could be encouraging termite growth. Having treated a plethora of cases in the past, our termite inspection professionals seek to eliminate the problem source. This prevents termite growth in the future. We also detect the termite type and take preventive measures accordingly. The diet, affect, habitat, and prevention techniques of different termite types vary significantly. As such, a single treatment method doesn’t work for all. Our skilled team at International Termite Co of Long Beach determines the termite infestation type and takes preventive measures accordingly.

Termite problems in Long Beach

Every homeowner styles their property to fit their unique tastes. From quality flooring to trendy wallpapers and cozy bedding to silky drapes, we take steps to make our home a haven. Beyond that, we take measures to keep our home tidy and hygienic. While these steps help us create a peaceful home environment, a few unexpected events cause unwanted troubles for us. One such problem that tops the list of annoying issues that Long Beach homeowners face is termites. It wouldn’t be wrong to consider it a terrible nightmare for families. You might have spent thousands of dollars installing top-notch wooden doors, windows, and furniture. But unfortunately, the notorious termites take only a few hours to cause structural damage. Even worse, once your home gets exposed to termites, they continue to form colonies, and the structural damage caused by them is often irreparable. Nonetheless, recognizing termite infestation at the right time helps you save your money. As soon as you spot termites in your home, you must get in touch with a professional termite exterminator in Long Beach, California to mitigate the problem. We are one of the reputable termite inspection providers in Long Beach. Our experts access the termite damage extent and design an appropriate action plan to prevent the problem. We aim to treat the current termite problem and offer genuine solutions to keep your home from pest infestation in the future.

5 things you must know about termites

Termites are active in warmer climates

Termites are more active in rising temperatures than in colder climates. This is because they work during the hotter months of the year to store food for winters. This indicates they are a year-round threat to areas that experience warmer climates throughout the year. For instance, you are at risk if you live in the southern states. However, note that the National Pest Management Association tells us that this pest exists in every region of the US. Therefore, your home isn’t ruled out entirely. Regardless of how well-maintained your property is, you must be vigilant about infestation. One of the best ways to identify the problem is to inspect your home time and again. Because they have an ability to remain hidden, they aren’t easy to spot until you stumble across visible damage. However, knowing their bodily structures and learning more about their habits can help you identify them early on.

Termites leave warning signs

While termites are notorious for being destroyers, they are also ill-famed for being sneaky. You could be facing a problem for days, but you wouldn’t even know it. Nonetheless, regardless of how stealthy they tend to be, they leave a few warning signs. Any savvy homeowner can spot them; slight diligence is required, however. Here are a few symptoms of termite infestation.

  1. The wooden structures would produce hollow sounds on tapping them.
  2. Your paint and walls would appear bubbly and cracked
  3. You’ll come across a swarm of winged insects around your house, typically outdoors – near the light
  4. Lastly, you’ll observe mud tubes on crawl spaces, walls, and wooden structures

Simple termite prevention steps can help

In the event of termite infestation, there’s nothing better than getting in touch with a professional termite exterminator in Long Beach, California. They know how to handle the job and will take a few hours to eliminate the problem. However, you can take a few steps to protect your home (more on the topic below). Simple precautionary measures include.

  1. Keeping downspouts and gutters free of clutter, dirt, and debris, the healthier the environment, the lower the chances of pest infestation.
  2. Keeping lumber and firewood away from your property
  3. Installing exterior vents and screens
  4. Eliminating moisture by fixing leaks

Termites are not deadly, but dangerous

Many individuals question if termites are deadly. While soldier termites have the capability to bite humans, they’ll do so only if handled carelessly. Therefore, termite removal is best left to professionals. Essentially, these pests bite wood and other cellulose materials. They also may attack other insects but rarely have any human attacks reported yet. Even if they bite, their sting isn’t life-threatening. Simply put, they are dangerous but not deadly. Harmful in a way that they damage your home materials, and delaying their removal might destroy your belongings beyond repair.

Termites have sense organs and use vibration to communicate

Termites consist of sense organs at the base of their tibiae and antenna. These help them feel vibrations, allowing them to select food sources they want to infest. For instance, the sense organs help them feel the vibroacoustic signals of wood pieces. Additionally, they use vibrations to exchange messages. As soon as the soldier termites sense a threat, they bang or tap their heads against the surfaces. This action produces vibrations and alarms the entire colony. Consequently, the insects take action to prevent themselves from getting attacked.

How to prevent termite damage in your Long Beach property?

Taking early steps to keep termites out of your home is way better than trying to eliminate them after infestation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shares tips to make your home less vulnerable to termites. During construction:

  1. Leave ventilation space between wood and soil and consider using a concrete foundation.
  2. Enclose open wood surfaces using a metal barrier or sealant.

After construction:

  1. Keep the soil surrounding your Long Beach home dry through a proper drainage system. This includes maintaining downspouts and gutters.
  2. Keep plants and vents free from unwanted obstruction.
  3. Do not grow shrubs and trees too close to your home. Also, avoid exposing wood surfaces to plants.
  4. Eliminate openings that allow termites to access your home. This might require you to fill in the cracks.

Further, the National Pest Management Association also shares guidelines to prevent termite infestation during the spring season.

  1. Inspect your Long Beach home for mud tubes, rotting wood, damaged structures, and visible termite existence.
  2. Nothing attracts termites more than water. So, make sure you remove moisture sources to limit the chances of their presence.
  3. Avoid stacking piles of firewood closer to your home. Also, if you’ve bought some and want to keep them closer to your property, do not forget to inspect them for termites. Otherwise, you might be introducing termites to your home yourself.
  4. Consider discarding old grade stakes and boards from your property as they might encourage termite growth.
  5. On spotting visible termite infestation signs, call a licensed professional organization immediately.

What are termites?

The Invisible Threat: Understanding and Preventing Termite Infestations

Unveiling the Silent Destroyer

Termites are elusive creatures that can inflict significant damage to homes and other structures before their presence becomes noticeable. Their ability to gnaw through wood undetected makes them a formidable foe for property owners. Ignoring termite infestations can lead to severe structural damage and costly repairs. Therefore, understanding the nature, signs, and prevention methods of termites is crucial for protecting your valuable property.

Identifying the Telltale Signs

Recognizing the subtle signs of a termite infestation is essential for prompt intervention. The following indicators warrant immediate professional attention:

  1. Mud Tubes: Termites construct mud tubes to protect themselves from predators and the elements. These tubes can be found on foundations, walls, or other areas where termites are active.
  2. Hollow Wood: Termites consume the softer wood within walls, leaving behind a hollowed-out structure. Tapping on suspected areas can reveal a hollow sound.
  3. Swarmers: Winged termites, known as swarmers, are a telltale sign of an active infestation. Swarmers emerge during the spring or fall to mate and establish new colonies.
  4. Termite Droppings: Frass, or termite droppings, resemble small wood pellets. They can be found near entry points or areas where termites are nesting.
  5. Bubbling or Cracking Paint: Termites can cause paint to bubble or crack as they weaken the underlying wood.

Understanding Their Destructive Nature

Termites are known for their voracious appetite for wood, cellulose, and other plant-based materials. They work tirelessly to expand their colonies, creating elaborate labyrinths within the wood they inhabit. Termite damage can manifest in various forms:

  1. Compromised Structural Integrity: As termites consume wood, they weaken the structural components of buildings, leading to potential collapses or catastrophic failures.
  2. Costly Repairs: Termite damage requires extensive repairs that can be financially taxing, often costing thousands of dollars.
  3. Health Hazards: Termite-damaged wood can create hazardous conditions for occupants, including weakened structures and deteriorating air quality.

Proactive Defense: Prevention Strategies

Preventing termite infestations is crucial for safeguarding your property. Implementing the following strategies can help deter these destructive pests:

  1. Eliminate Moisture: Termites thrive in moist environments. Repair leaks and eliminate moisture sources around your home.
  2. Remove Wood Debris: Piles of firewood, scrap wood, or any untreated wood near your home provide easy access for termites.
  3. Ventilate Crawl Spaces: Proper ventilation helps reduce moisture and deter termites. Install fans or vents to maintain airflow.
  4. Inspect Regularly: Conduct regular inspections around your home, especially in areas prone to moisture or wood contact.
  5. Consider Professional Treatment: Preventative termite treatments by a qualified pest control company can provide long-lasting protection.

The Importance of Professional Assistance

If you suspect a termite infestation, seeking professional assistance is essential. Trained and experienced termite control specialists have the tools and expertise to:

  1. Identify the Type of Termite: Different termite species require different treatment approaches.
  2. Determine the Extent of the Infestation: A thorough inspection helps determine the severity of the problem.
  3. Develop a Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the type and extent of the infestation, a customized treatment plan is developed to effectively eliminate termites.
  4. Implement Treatment: Using specialized equipment and techniques, professionals apply targeted treatments to exterminate termites.
  5. Provide Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular monitoring and follow-up visits ensure the infestation is eliminated and prevented from recurring.

Safeguarding Your Home from the Silent Destroyer

Termite infestations are a serious threat to homes and structures. However, by understanding the telltale signs, implementing preventive measures, and seeking professional assistance when necessary, you can effectively protect your property from these destructive pests. Remember, early detection and prompt action are key to preserving the integrity of your home and safeguarding your investment.

Let’s look at some exciting termite facts to learn more.

  1. Mature termite colonies include 60,000 to 1 million termites. Nonetheless, this can differ depending on the termite colony type.
  2. The king and the queen hold a prominent position in termite colonies. However, the colonies aren’t limited to these; several other castes include workers, reproductives, and soldiers.
  3. When a reproductive termite wants to reproduce, they grow wings and fly away for mating purposes. This gives birth to a new colony.
  4. The female and male termites are called “swarmers” and “alates.”
  5. Alates typically have wings that go missing in soldiers and worker termites.
  6. 50 out of the 2750 species of termites are found in the United States. Among them, 20 are infamous for causing structural damage to properties.

Getting in touch with a professional termite company

While preventive measures beforehand offer an excellent way to avoid the vexing pest infestation issue. If you fail to protect your home, there’s nothing better than contacting a termite treatment company in Long Beach, California . Our Long Beach termite removal professionals are skilled at termite elimination. They spot the visible and hiding termite on your property and carefully handle its removal. Slight negligence during termite elimination might damage the structures further. Our expert team, however, manages the entire process cautiously. This minimizes structural damage and lowers the risk of termite spread in your home. We also identify the source of termite infestation and share tips to protect your property from pests in the future. Contact us to speak with one of our contractors and get Long Beach termite treatment today!

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Pest control professionals in Long Beach, CA getting rid of termites.