Termite Inspection and Treatment in Sacramento

How do you know if you have termites?

The Structural Pest Control Board's termite brochure lists these warning signs. Sometimes there are none at all, because termites can feed for years behind walls and under flooring while the wood surface stays intact.

• Mud tubes on foundations, walls or in the crawlspace, usually about pencil width
• Sawdust-like piles or small pellet-shaped droppings near wood
• Darkened or blistered wood that sounds hollow or is easy to poke with a screwdriver
• Winged insects swarming inside, especially in spring or fall

Is it a termite or a flying ant?

Look at the antennae, waist and wings. The SPCB says termites have straight antennae, a uniform waist and equal-size wings, while ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist and longer front wings. Swarms from a stump or woodpile don't necessarily mean the house is infested, but swarmers emerging at the base of a foundation wall are a strong sign.

Which termites live in the Sacramento area?

Both main types. UC IPM says subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes occur in nearly every region of California and are the state's most destructive termites. They nest in soil and reach wood through mud tubes, and swarms often appear on warm, sunny days after fall or spring rains.

The native western drywood termite ranges from the coast into the Central Valley. Its small colonies, usually under 1,000 termites, live deep inside dry wood. Inspectors look for six-sided fecal pellets, tiny kick-out holes and shed wings.

What happens during a termite inspection?

Under Business and Professions Code §8516, only a Branch 3 field representative or operator working for a registered company may inspect for wood-destroying pests. The written report must reach the person who ordered it and the owner within 10 business days, and the address is filed with the SPCB.

The report includes a diagram of the structure and notes conditions such as earth-to-wood contact, excess cellulose debris, faulty grade, moisture, roof leaks and poor ventilation. Areas the inspector couldn't reach, like finished walls, must be listed. UC IPM suggests getting at least three reports before choosing a company, and an inspection every 3 to 5 years.

What do Section 1 and Section 2 mean on a termite report?

California regulations define them precisely. Section 1 items show visible evidence of active infestation or infection, or conditions that resulted from it. Section 2 items are conditions deemed likely to lead to infestation or infection, but where no visible evidence was found. A third category, further inspection, covers areas the inspector couldn't fully access.

The law says Section 2 conditions can't be described as active infestations or as repairs required before a certification is issued. If an owner chooses not to fix a reported condition, the company isn't liable for resulting damage. Who pays for which items in a sale is up to the buyer and seller.

How are drywood termites treated?

The SPCB says fumigation and whole-house heat are the only choices that ensure eradication throughout the structure. For heat, the house is tarped and hot air raises structural timbers to 120°F, which UC IPM says must be held for at least 33 minutes.

Spot treatments include injecting insecticide, electric current, liquid nitrogen, localized heat, microwaves and replacing infested wood. They treat only the targeted area, so hidden infestations survive. The SPCB says a company claiming whole-house results from spot treatment is guilty of false advertising.

How are subterranean termites treated?

Fumigation and heat don't work on subterranean termites, because most of the colony lives in the soil. UC IPM says the main methods are liquid insecticides applied to the soil by trenching, drilling or rodding, and bait stations whose slow-acting bait is shared through the colony. Baits can take months and need monitoring. California has no reliable over-the-counter subterranean termite products.

How do you prepare for termite fumigation?

Follow the company's prep list. The SPCB sets out the basics:

• Everyone must leave, along with pets and plants, including fish
• Remove food and medicine or seal them in the bags the company provides
• Tell the company about conduits or drains that connect to a neighboring building
• Sign the occupant fumigation notice, which lists the fumigant and dates
• Stay out until the company posts a re-entry notice; the fumigant is odorless and lethal
• If anyone feels dizzy, nauseated or short of breath within 24 hours of returning, leave and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222

Frequently asked questions

Available across the Sacramento area

• Sacramento
• Elk Grove
• Roseville
• Folsom
• Citrus Heights
• Rancho Cordova
• Rocklin
• Lincoln
• Davis
• West Sacramento
• Woodland
• El Dorado Hills
• Carmichael
• Fair Oaks
• Orangevale
• Arden-Arcade
• Antelope
• North Highlands
• Granite Bay
• Gold River
• Rio Linda
• Galt
• Auburn
• Cameron Park
• Placerville
• Loomis