Subterranean termites
Subterranean Termite Inspection & Treatment
Subterranean termites nest in the soil and tunnel up into wood through mud tubes. Zap treats the soil and entry points around homes and buildings across the Sacramento region.
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Send a message any time.
Signs of subterranean termites
- Pencil-width mud tubes on foundations, piers, garage walls or plumbing
- Swarms of winged termites after a warm spring rain, often from cracks in a slab or near the foundation
- Wood that is layered with soil or mud inside
- Damage near the ground: sill plates, baseboards, door frames and wood in contact with soil
Why they find Sacramento area homes
Subterranean termites need moisture. Irrigated landscaping, sprinklers hitting the foundation, leaks in crawlspaces and wood touching soil all help them along. Slab homes are not off limits: termites can come up through expansion joints, plumbing openings and cracks. Crawlspace homes give them a dark, damp place to build tubes out of sight.
How we treat them
Treatment focuses on the soil and the points where termites reach the structure: along the foundation, around plumbing and slab openings, and in the crawlspace. We also point out conducive conditions, such as earth-to-wood contact or a leak, so they can be corrected. Damaged wood can be replaced through our wood repair service.
Not sure which termite you have?
Mud tubes point to subterranean termites, while pellets point to drywood termites. Schedule a termite inspection to find out, or read our subterranean termite guide.
We serve Rio Linda, Sacramento, North Highlands, Antelope, Citrus Heights, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Elk Grove, West Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Auburn, Placerville, Napa, Fairfield, Stockton and Lodi. Call (916) 999-9747 Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, or send a message below.
FAQ
Subterranean termites questions
What are mud tubes?
Mud tubes are small tunnels made of soil and saliva that subterranean termites build to travel from the ground to wood while staying protected from dry air.
Should I break open the mud tubes?
You can leave them for the inspector. They help show where termites are traveling. Breaking a tube does not get rid of the colony.
Does fumigation work on subterranean termites?
Fumigation is for drywood termites. Subterranean termites live in the soil, so treatment focuses on the soil and entry points instead.
When do subterranean termites swarm?
They usually swarm in spring, often on a warm, sunny day after rain.
More services
Other services from Zap
We also treat bed bugs, spiders and other common household pests. See all services on our home page.
Contact
Schedule service with Zap
Tell us about your subterranean termites needs. Call during phone hours, or send a message any time.
(916) 999-9747- office@zappest.com
- Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
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