Termites

Understanding Termites in the Coachella Valley

A winged ant rests on a leaf
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Do you have termites in your Coachella Valley home or business? Depending on the species, termite colonies can be as small as a few thousand or as large as several million, and Americans spend billions of dollars each year on fixing the damage that termites cause.

We know that even a small termite colony is too much, so the experts at Rudy’s Termite & Pest Control will perform a thorough termite inspection in your home or business.

Physical description

The most common termites found in the Coachella Valley are subterranean termites and drywood termites. Both of these termite species are from half an inch to 2/3 of an inch in length, with straight antennae and two pairs of wings. These wings often snap off the termites and can be found around your home. Subterranean termites are dark brown to gray in color, while drywood termites are larger and reddish.

Termites and ants are often confused. However, termites are broader and wider than ants, move slower, and have shorter legs. Termite wings are all the same size, and their antennae are straight. By contrast, ant wings are differently-sized, and they have bent antennae.

Habitat

Subterranean termites are highly destructive, moving from the soil into homes through pencil-sized tunnels called mud tubes. Through these mud tubes, they can enter homes while remaining protected and moist. Honeycomb-style holes in wood are a sign of possible subterranean termite damage.

Drywood termites create nests or “galleries” in wooden structures such as walls, garages, and attics. They enter homes through small cracks, vents, and knotholes in wood. Drywood termites also live in lumber, logs, and utility poles. As the name implies, they prefer to live in and eat dry wood.

Life cycle

Termites mate and lay eggs in wood, where they create a chamber. After laying eggs, termites hatch in approximately two and half months. Like ants, termites live in colonies and each have valuable roles to play. Nymphs serve the colony’s queen and king, false workers get food and take care of the nest, and soldiers defend the nest.

A termite queen can live for up to 15 years, and termites become adults two years after hatching from their eggs.

Rudy’s Termite & Pest Control are licensed Coachella Valley termite control experts. Contact us today and let us solve the issue effectively.

Interaction with humans

Termites do not pose a direct threat to humans, as they do not typically bite. However, termites spread rapidly, and can cause significant property damage to your home, business, and garden.

Termites can enter your home through very small spaces, and do not make themselves known immediately. A termite infestation can go undetected for a long period of time.

Some signs of a termite infestation include: buckled wood, damaged wood trim, paint blisters, a hollow sound in wood, discarded termite wings, or droppings that resemble sawdust or coffee grounds.

Potential dangers or risks

Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home and business. Termites not only eat wood, but they can also chew through plaster and soft metals. They like cellulose, which is found in wood as well as plants, cotton fibers, and paper. Termites can damage floors, ceilings, and walls so severely that they actually collapse.

If you suspect a termite infestation, it’s important to have professionals deal with it quickly. At Rudy’s Termite & Pest Control, we have experience in controlling termite infestations in the Coachella Valley. Give us a call today!