Termite: Frequently Asked Questions:
What are Termites?
ANSWER:
Termites are a social insect that feed on wood. There are over 2000 known species. In California, Western Subterranean and Drywood Termites are most prevalent.
Are termites seasonal?
ANSWER:
Homeowners should know that termites are active all year. They eat the wood in your home around the clock. Homeowners most commonly see them when they eject their fecal matter from the wood or swarm on warm humid days.
Can a homeowner expect their property to be protected against reinfestation after treatment?
ANSWER:
Structural fumigations leave no residual toxicity and offer no residual protection against reinfestation without a secondary treatment being performed such as a topical application of Boracare in an attic or open beam garage. Localized treatments on the other hand do offer residual protection. Contact Mariners Pest Control and one of our inspectors will recommend a treatment that best fits the conditions of your home.
If a property on the same street has been infested with termites, are other properties within proximity in danger of infestation as well?
ANSWER:
If a neighbor’s home is infested with termites the likelihood that your home may be infested is considerable. Termites swarm prior to mating and can infest any wood timber the wind blows them near. This can occur through a vent in your attic, crawl space, garage, or any other exposed timber on your home. Mariners Pest Control offers free thorough inspections to determine if your home needs treatment. Call us today.
I suspect I have termites, am I going to have to fumigate?
ANSWER:
Not necessarily. While fumigations offer an assurance of a 100% eradication of drywood termites, Mariners Pest Control may be able to effectively treat your problem in a localized manner not requiring you to vacate. Also, not all termites in California are Drywoods. Your termites may be Subterraneans in which case fumigation is never necessary. Subterranean termites are treated by applying a termiticide to the soil in a house built on a raided foundation or by pressure treating (drilling and injecting through a slab) for homes built on a slab foundation.
Do I need a termite report to sell my home?
ANSWER:
Almost always. Very few lenders in California will fund a loan to a buyer without assurance, in the form of a clear report from a licensed structural pest control company, that the home is free and clear of wood destroying organisms including the replacement of wood on your home that is dry rotted. Mariners Pest Control offers ecrow inspections for a nominal fee.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Termite Damage?
ANSWER:
Unfortunately, termite damage is usually not covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
