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Los Angeles has no immunity to termites, one of the most destructive pests. The combination of a warm, arid climate in Los Angeles and older homes made from wood creates the perfect breeding ground for subterranean termites.
Termites cause billions in property damage each year, and many homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover this damage. Los Angeles is particularly vulnerable to termite damage due to its moderate temperatures all year round.
Regular inspections allow you to catch infestations at an early stage, which could save you thousands of dollars. Knowing how to identify early warnings is essential if you’re looking to buy a new home, maintain a property, or suspect an infestation.
Termite Inspections Los Angeles: A Step-By-Step Guide
You can perform a home termite check with the correct knowledge. However, any confirmed activity must be monitored by a licensed professional. To get you started, here’s a simple step-by-step procedure:
- Know The Types Of Termites Common In LA
Los Angeles is home to two major types of termites.
- Drywood Termite: These termites live in wood but do not require soil. Termites usually live in attics or wooden furniture.
- Subterranean Termite: This termite requires moisture and builds mud tubes to reach wooden structures.
Understanding these behaviors will help you find the right place to look.
- Examine Wood Structures For Damage
Start with visible wood areas
- Window sills
- Baseboards
- Decks
- Attics
- Exposed beams
Use the screwdriver to tap or press on the wood lightly. If the wood sounds hollow or has bubbling paint on the surface, termites may be hiding in it.
- Look For Termite Frass
Drywood termites excrete small, pellet-like droppings that resemble sawdust. You may find them near baseboards or underneath wooden furniture.
- Check For Mud Tubes
Underground termites use mud tubes about the size of a pencil to travel and protect themselves. Open one up to see if there are termites within.
- Examine Discarded Wings
After finding a nesting area, Swarmers (reproductive termites) shed their wings. If you see small translucent wings near windowsills or other light sources, this is a warning sign that there may be a colony nearby.
- Inspection Of Outdoor Wood And Soil Areas
Termites can’t invade just from the inside. Check:
- Fences
- Tree stumps
- Wood mulch
- Deck posts in soil
It is time to take action when you see signs such as wood damage and mud tubes.
- Use A Screwdriver And A Flashlight In The Crawlspace And Attic
These hidden places are often used as hiding areas. Check for wood that makes a hollow sound when tapped or that shows signs of debris and damage.
- Document Your Findings
Photograph anything suspicious. You can use this documentation to help professionals better assess the situation if in doubt.
- Know When To Call A Professional
Termite infestations go deeper than you can see. If you find:
- Active mud tubes
- Discarded Wings
- Frass or droppings
- Hollow-sounding or visibly damaged wood
It is time to consult a licensed termite specialist and learn more about expert termite inspections in Los Angeles with Pest Solutions SoCal. Their specialists are trained to detect and treat even the most hidden infestations using advanced tools and eco-conscious solutions.
- Create A Schedule For Routine Inspection
In Los Angeles, most homes should receive a professional inspection annually. For properties with a termite history, consider biannual inspections.
You can create a home checklist for quarterly visual checks. To deter underground termites, look for early warnings and maintain a dry, clean perimeter around your home’s foundation.
- Take Preventative Action After Inspection
- Fix any gaps and cracks in the walls and foundation.
- Keep mulch and wood chips at 20 feet or more from your house.
- Remove all trees and shrubs from your home, touching them to remove termite tunnels.
Conclusion
Termites cause extensive damage even before they show obvious signs. Regular inspections, both professional and DIY, are your best defense. Acting quickly and knowing what to look for can make all the difference in a simple treatment or costly structural repairs.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect your home, your health, and your investment. Los Angeles may not have the most glamorous termite inspections, but these are an essential part of homeownership.
