FAQs

Termites may be difficult to spot. Unfortunately, termites prefer to remain hidden within tunnels throughout their colony. Drywood termites reside completely within wood structures, and subterranean termites build mud tunnels. You may notice these mud tunnels, as well as discarded termite wings (from swarming), termite droppings (small wood-colored pellets), or structural damage. A termite inspector will help you identify a termite colony, and they can determine the source of the colony.

There are three species of wood-destroying termites in Southern California: the Drywood, the subterranean, and the dampwood termites.

Drywood termites are the most common termites found in Southern California. About 78 percent of structures inspected each year are infested with this type. Subterranean termites are found in approximately 26 percent of structures, and Dampwood termites are found in approximately 2 percent.

Drywood termites leave piles of droppings or pellets near their nest. They also swarm on warm days, leaving the nest to breed. Swarmers look like red ants with wings. Actually, they have a red head and long brown body.

Subterranean termites are ground dwelling termites and build tubes to access their food. Look for mud tubes or swarmers in the spring months. Subterranean swarmers look like small black water ants with wings. The easiest way to differentiate flying ants from termites is to check the insect’s wings. If the wings are short, stubby and end at the rear end of the insect, it is a flying ant. If the wings are long, tear-shaped and twice the length of the insect, you’ve got termites. Hollow holes in wood is a strong indicator that you have termites.

No. If a structure has very heavy infestation throughout and has been left untreated for years, the structure should be fumigated first, then controlled by the microwave process.

No. Treatment time usually runs about five hours on the average home. You may return to your home as soon as the treatment is completed.

No. Hi-Tech Termite Control does not walk on your roof with the microwave system.

Yes.

Unlike other companies, our service contract is quite simple. Your entire structure is covered for two years against any old or new infestation of Drywood termites, regardless of what area of the structure the infestation occurs. All service calls during your contract period are free of charge. This covers the original and the extended service contract if renewed after the first two years. Hi- Tech also offers contracts on subterranean termites where other companies don’t.

In general, termites aren’t hazardous to humans. However, termites can cause an allergic reaction, especially swarming termites. When swarming termites shed their wings, some folks may react with itchy skin and sneezing. That said, termite allergies are rare, so you may not notice a termite infestation for some time.

Yes. Termites can thrive in cities as long as they can form a colony and locate food and a source of moisture. That said, termites are far less prevalent in cities, especially subterranean termites, since they can only build colonies in exposed soil.

Termites swarm when they have a large enough colony. At this point, the colony will divide, and part of the colony will fly to a new site to reproduce. If you notice horizontal tunnels coming out of wood members, a colony may be close to swarming, or a swarm may just have occurred.

It’s unlikely that you’ll hear termites in your walls. While you might think that an infestation of thousands of these little buggers could mean that you’ll hear scuttling within your walls, you’d be surprised at how silent termites are. Unless termites are actively swarming, you probably won’t hear them in your wall cavities. In rare cases, you may hear a very light slight tapping caused by soldier termites using their jaws to communicate with other termites.

Once again, if you suspect termites are in your home, it’s best to have a professional inspection.

Yes. Termites can consume any dead wood that they encounter. That’s why it’s wise to keep firewood and lumber off the ground (to deter subterranean termites) and dry (to deter all termite species). Also, be cognizant of the trees around your property. Termites can make dead trees their home. Be sure to remove dead limbs from trees throughout your property, and cut down and remove any dead trees could attract a colony. If you do have trees, firewood, or lumber on your property, it’s best to keep it away from your home, elevated off the ground, and/or well contained.

Unfortunately, yes. Mulch creates an ideal environment for termites and other pests, especially if the mulch is thick (deeper than 4 inches). Mulch provides protection, controlled temperatures, food, and moisture for termites. Our advice: Keep mulch at least 6 inches away from your home, and don’t pile your mulch up too high.

There are a variety of specialized treatments that target termites. Here at Hi-Tech Termite Control, we offer traditional termite treatments—including termiticide treatments and fumigation—as well as alternative termite treatments—like our microwave termite treatments. Learn more about our termite treatment options.

If you notice a termite infestation, it’s crucial to act right away. Termites are most active in spring and summer months, but they may swarm whenever the weather is warm enough. Treating your termites immediately may prevent swarming, and it may mitigate the damage that would be caused to your home. We offer a two-year service contract that completely covers your home against termite infestation for two years. For two full years, if an infestation occurs, we’ll treat it for free. That’s a guarantee you won’t find anywhere else.