Subterranean Termites In Olympia, Tumwater, and Termites in Lacey
It is actually fairly unlikely that most homeowners will ever see termites, even though many homes are susceptible to termites in Olympia. Of the thousands of homes that we've treated for Subterranean Termites in Olympia, Tumwater, and termites in Lacey, it has been rare that the person living in the home has discovered them. They are most often discovered by someone performing a professional inspection, such as a home inspector or pest inspector or found during a remodel project by a contractor.
Why should you be concerned about termites in Olympia?
There are 2 varieties of termites in the Pacific Northwest. The most common is the Dampwood Termite. Just as its name implies, it lives in damp wood. If the wood isn't wet, then this variety of termite won't attach to it. Therefore, Dampwood Termites are plentiful in the stumps and logs around our homes. Winged reproductives will emerge in the late summer. Sometimes these clumsy, reddish-colored insects will fly into our homes, but will rarely survive because of the absence of wet wood. Although less than reputable companies may try to sell services for these insects, simply removing the moisture source will eliminate a Dampwood Termite infestation. These are typically not the termites that most homeowners fear.
The second type of termites in Olympia and the surrounding area is the Western Subterranean Termite. It too gets its name from the area where it lives- below the ground. Western Subterranean Termites are most commonly found in areas with gravel and sandy soil-types and will travel underground between homes and buildings, surface to eat (their main food source is cellulose), then return to the soil. They live in large colonies of tens of thousands and remain active year round. Over time, a colony can cause a significant amount of damage to a structure. In fact, termites cause more structural damage to homes the U.S. than fire, flood, and storms combined.
Why don't most homeowners see Western Subterranean Termites in Olympia?
Most homeowners will not discover the Western Subterranean Termite in Olympia homes because their survival is dependent on concealment. These termites are defenseless against a variety of predators and have adapted by staying well hidden. When they travel out of the soil, they will build mud tubes which allow them to remain concealed. These tubes are actually what a termite inspector will be looking for while performing the inspection.
Areas of where Subterranean Termites are commonly found in Olympia:
As I mentioned earlier, Subterranean Termites in Olympia are most commonly found in areas with gravel to sandy soil types and are rarely found in areas with dense clay. Termites in Olympia are quite prevalent in homes and buildings in the vicinity of Capitol Blvd, 4th Avenue and the Westside. Where as termites in Lacey are commonly found in Carpenter Road, and Ruddell Road. They also can be found Tumwater Hill, since we do have termites in Tumwater as well .
Termite Prevention
Especially when it comes to Subterranean Termites, prevention is much easier and less expensive than controlling and correcting a pre-existing condition. There are some simple and relatively inexpensive ways to prevent and monitor for Subterranean Termites. We'd be happy to discuss some of these options with you.
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