A sneaky invader is waiting to eat you out of house and home. It has a voracious appetite, reproduces consistently, and finds wood a most delightful dish, even if it is part of your home’s framework. It creeps into structures through the ground or doors and window frames. Even the tiniest crack is an open door when this pest wants to enter. We are talking about termites. For decades, these bugs have been wreaking havoc in the neighborhood of billions of dollars each year. While they work like well-oiled machines, each species has its own peculiarities.

Learn more about termites to empower yourself to keep your family safe. The team at Times Up Termite stand ready to lend their expertise. When we come in to inspect your home, we know what we are looking for and are happy to show you what we find so that you can be aware. Additionally, we create an effective and tailor-made termite control plan to keep your Fremont home in great shape and bug-free.

Drywood and Subterranean Termites – Pests on a Mission to Destroy Your Home

The number of species across the globe is extensive. In the U.S., we have approximately 45 different kinds in 49 of our states. Only Alaska is termite-free. The most common types are the dry wood and subterranean. Learn more about these pesky bugs set out to destroy your family’s house:

  1. Subterranean: As the word suggests, this type of termite needs moisture to survive. Other characteristics include:
    • Size Differences – The caste that the bug exists in determines its size. The workers and soldiers are about one-eighth to three-eighths of an inch long with the soldiers having larger heads and powerful jaws. Those ready for reproduction can be about one inch in length.
    • Color – Where you work determines what color you are as a termite. Workers are cream-colored and pale and do not have eyes. Soldiers are similar in color, but their heads are brown. Supplementary reproductives have the same shades as workers and soldiers, whereas primary reproductives are brown or black.
    • Behavior – Workers are responsible for chewing wood. Soldiers defend the nest, and the reproductives lay eggs or fly off in swarms looking for areas to expand the colony.
    • Habitat – This group loves to be underground and will enter your home from wet wood buried or near your home. They will travel using mud tubes and eat from the ground up.
  2. Drywood: This bug does not need the same moisture as their subterranean cousins. Here are some other features:
    • Sizes – Depending on their age, workers and soldiers can measure between one-quarter and three-eighths of an inch long. Those that are reproductive can measure about one-half of an inch long.
    • Color – The general tone is pale brown. However, there are some variations between dark brown and light, yellowish-tan. The winged termites will have clear or smokey gray wings.
    • Hierarchy – Workers are the chewers and do the most damage. Some will develop into reproductive or soldiers as the colony ages. The reproductive will swarm off in search of greener pastures, while the soldiers will protect the nest.
    • Habitat – Dry wood termites love to enter through holes near the top of your house. They will build nests in your rafters and eat from the top down.
    • Window Blind – The greatest thing about installing window blinds is that they can be used in a variety of settings. You may put them on a window with or without curtains. Likewise,

Rely on the Best for Bug Control – Choose Times Up Termite

Termite control begins with a sound plan from an experienced company like Times Up Termite. We know the differences in these wood-boring bugs and have the resources to turn your home back into the haven you love. We are licensed to use a variety of options for eradicating the pests, including the eco-friendly, reduced-risk pesticide called Altriset. If you have areas with pets, children, or a pregnant mom, then this may be the right option to choose in our termite control arsenal. Give us a call today!

Call 510-568-7200 to speak with our team of knowledgeable, licensed professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. You can also contact us online to request a free termite inspection.