Prevention is an Important Part of
Centralia Termite Control

• Dampwood termites: Unlike subterranean termites, dampwood termites can easily consume both dry and damp wood. These pests prefer to create colonies in wood that is damp, and even decaying. Dampwood termites will usually enter a home using wood that is in direct contact with the soil.
• Drywood termites: As their name suggests, drywood termites prefer wood that is not damp. Contact with the soil is not necessary for their survival, so they can easily destroy items other than structures, such as outdoor furniture. Due to the fact that Centralia has a fairly wet climate, drywood termites are rarely seen here, although they are not unheard of.

It is important to identify which type of termites you are dealing with if you have a problem, so you know how to get rid of them.

Signs of a Termite Problem

Identifying a termite problem is not always easy because these pests largely remain in the walls of a home. However, there are common signs you can watch for to determine if you have a problem. These are as follows:

• Wings: When termites start a new colony, they fly from one place to another. These are known as termite swarms. Many termites make up a swarm, so they are fairly easy to see when they occur. Even when homeowners do not see the swarms, they may find the wings on windowsills or on the ground outside of their home. This is because once termites have found a location for the new colony, they will shed their wings.
• Damaged wood: Any termite can cause damage to wood, but the way they damage it depends on the type of termite. Due to the fact that dampwood termites prefer damp wood, this wood is usually moist and feels soft to the touch.  Subterranean termites, on the other hand, burrow through the wood, hollowing it out as they do. Tapping on this wood and listening for a hollow sound can help identify a subterranean termite problem.
• Mud tubes: Certain types of termites, such as dampwood termites, need protection from the hot air so their bodies do not dry out. As such, they will create mud tubes that keep them damp and cool, and that provide protection from predators. Mud tubes outside of the home are a real sign of concern, as termites may have already made their way inside.

How to Prevent a Termite Problem

The best way to deal with termites is to never have to actually deal with them at all. The best termite prevention tips are as follows:

• Seal gaps around all utility lines outside the home.
• Treat exterior wood around the home that touches the ground, or remove wood-to-ground contact altogether.
• Remove any material that contains cellulose, such as cardboard boxes, from crawl spaces.
• Repair any items that drip outside that can provide a water source for termites, such as faulty gutters, leaky plumbing, and leaky air conditioner lines.
• Inspect any lumber you are planning to use for projects inside or outside of the home before using it.