Understanding subterranean termites
Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive species in Northern California. They live in the soil and rely on moisture to survive, making crawl spaces, basements, and leaky areas around your home prime real estate.
Habitat:
They nest underground and use mud shelter tubes to travel safely between their colony and food sources (wood structures). These pencil-sized tubes can often be seen on foundations, walls, or crawl spaces.
Damage Patterns:
Subterranean termites eat from the inside out and work quietly. Because their colonies are large—sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands—they can cause extensive structural damage before you even realize you have a subterranean termite infestation.
Recognizing drywood termites
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites don’t need contact with soil. They live entirely within the wood they infest, which makes them harder to detect without a professional inspection.
Habitat:
They typically target dry, above-ground wood such as attic beams, furniture, wooden floors, and picture frames. You won’t see mud tubes with these termites—they simply don’t need them.
Damage Patterns:
Drywood termite colonies are smaller, so the damaged wood tends to be more localized, but it can still be costly if left untreated. Signs of activity include discarded wings, tiny holes in wood, and frass (termite droppings that look like fine sawdust or pepper).
Subterranean vs drywood termites: a quick comparison
Termite prevention and treatment strategies
We use proven termite treatments and practices at Big Time Pest Control to handle termite infestations effectively. Here’s how we approach prevention and treatment:
Subterranean termite control
- Inspection: Thorough examination of property foundations and moisture-rich areas.
- Treatment: We’ll target active infestations with conventional products and install the eco-friendly Trelona® ATBS, a termite baiting system, around the structure's perimeter to prevent new termite colonies from establishing.
- Moisture control: Addressing moisture issues to reduce termite attraction.
Drywood termite management
- Inspection: Identifying hotspots like attics, eaves, and wooden furniture.
- Localized treatment: Targeted applications to affected areas without disturbing other areas.
- Fumigation: For extensive infestations, complete structural fumigation may be necessary to eradicate termites.
Why choose Big Time Pest Control?
We’re a family-owned business based in Redding. We proudly serve Northern California, including Anderson, Chico, and Sacramento, with the experience and care you’d expect from a trusted neighbor.
- Fast response times: Same-day and Saturday appointments available.
- Eco-conscious solutions: We’re QualityPro and GreenPro certified providers, so your family and the environment stay protected.
- Satisfaction guarantee: Your confidence in our service is paramount; we stand by the quality and effectiveness of our treatments.
In Northern California, termites aren’t just a nuisance—they threaten your home’s structural integrity and safety. You can stop them in their tracks with the proper knowledge and the right team on your side. Whether drywood termites are hiding in your attic or subterranean termites are sneaking in from the soil, Big Time Pest Control has the tools and expertise to protect your home—one solution at a time. Contact us today for assistance!
