How To Identify Termites in Los Angeles

No kind of termite is a welcome sight. All are destructive regardless of category or species. In Los Angeles, we usually come across 2 categories of termites dwelling in homes and buildings: drywood termites and subterranean termites.

If you know how to identify these pests, you will know the most suitable treatment to lower the risk or stop infestations. 

Drywood termites identification

Los Angeles drywood termites are easily recognizable for their creamy color. They range in size from ¼” to 3/8”. They have narrow bodies with two sets of wings that span twice the size of their body. 

As their name implies, drywood termites don’t depend on moisture in the ground to grow their colonies. Instead, they favor warm, dry, humid environments to build their nests behind walls or inside other wood structures. 

Visible evidence of drywood termites can be difficult if they are living inside a wooden structure like a beam or post. Therefore, you want to look for termite frass (droppings) or wings on or around window sills, frames, baseboards and floors. Sometimes you may see alates (swarmers) flying outside, trying to squeeze through cracks in exterior walls and foundation.  

Subterranean termites identification

Los Angeles subterranean termites are creamy white, yellow-tinted to dark brown. They range in size from ¼” to ½”. Unlike swarmers, workers and soldiers do not have wings. 

As their name implies, subterranean termites thrive in dark, wet environments like soils and rotting wood. They build tunnels 18” underground. 

Visible evidence of subterranean termites is the presence of ½” to 1” mud tubes above ground. They provide shelter for the termites to move around. These mud tubes usually appear in cracks along exterior walls or the building’s foundation.  Just because they may be empty doesn’t mean termites are gone. They may have moved to a different area of your property.

The best Los Angeles termite inspectors

If you are still unsure what type of bug you are seeing in or around your property, it’s time you contact My Termite Company for their expertise. We’ll determine whether you have a termite problem or not. Our Los Angeles termite inspectors will know what type of termite you have, and how large the colony is, by looking for signs of evidence both inside and outside your house, storefront or office. 

Call Us at 323-258-5820 or Text Us at 818-940-0203.