.WOOD DESTROYING PESTS

Termites are among the most well-known wood destroying pests, however there are a variety of other insects that can cause severe structural damage to your home or business.

The three most common families of beetles in Northern California that invade and damage structural and decorative wood and furniture are the powderpost beetles (Lyctidae), deathwatch beetles (Anobiidae) and false powderpost beetles (Bostrichiade).

For beetle infestations, a thorough inspection must be made to determine the extent of the infestation. For isolated infestations, which are accessible for treatment, a spot treatment may be performed to provide adequate protection.

However, if infestation is extensive or inaccessible in the attic, walls or subflooring of the structure, a complete fumigation would be the recommended treatment option.

Carpenter Ants are typically large ants, although the size of the workers can vary in a single colony. The first thing to remember about carpenter ants is that they do not eat wood! They get their name from their habit of hollowing out wood in order to make a suitable nesting site.

Most carpenter ant colonies start outdoors in a tree cavity. After a few years, the colony grows and expands its foraging territory. If suitable conditions are found within a nearby home, satellite colonies may become established in voids or moist wood in the home. These satellite colonies will contain workers, older larvae, pupae, and when conditions are right, some winged reproductive.

Carpenter Bees resemble bumble bees, but the upper surface of their abdomen is bare and shiny black. Bumble bees have a hairy abdomen with at least some yellow markings. Carpenter bees tunnel into wood to lay their eggs. Bare, unpainted or weathered woods are preferred. Painted or pressure treated woods are less susceptible to attack.