The Termite Guy FAQs

Spiders are eight-legged creatures that can be a nuisance in the home. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some of which are easier to identify than others. Common house spiders in California, for example, have round, brown bodies, and long legs, whereas the brown recluse has a violin-shaped marking on its back. It's also important to note where you're finding them, as some spiders prefer to live in specific places like basements, attics, and garages. To get rid of spiders, determine what type you have and then use the appropriate method to control it. Remember that most spiders are not dangerous to humans and play an important role in the ecosystem.

If you are worried about spiders returning in the future, there are steps you can take to prevent them. One of the best ways to get rid of spiders naturally is to keep your home clean and free of clutter. Spiders are attracted to areas with lots of hiding spots, so keep your house organized and decluttered. Additionally, make sure to seal any cracks or holes in your walls, windows, and doors to prevent spiders from finding their way inside. Also, use natural repellents such as peppermint oil to keep them away. Regularly inspecting and cleaning your home can help to deter spiders from returning. As always, the best way to prevent spiders and other pests is through a comprehensive pest management program that can keep pests from coming onto your property. By preventing bugs and other pests getting onto your property, you also prevent spiders that come inside to prey on them. For a spider-free home, give us a call at The Termite Guy for spider control in Orange, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties.

When termites live outside, away from people, they are not a problem; in fact, they play an essential role as natural recyclers. They help to remove decaying wood, leaving room for new plant growth. However, when living near people and our structures, termites are a problem. As they are out searching for nesting and foraging sites, these tiny insects can easily move into our homes. Subterranean termites move through the soil or create mud tubes above the ground to maintain their moisture needs and stay out of view of predators. They commonly enter our homes through small cracks and crevices they discover in the foundation as they travel. Pieces of wood sitting directly on top of the ground also provide an entryway into structures. Drywood termites most commonly enter our homes inside wood or wooden furniture already infested with adults or their eggs. They can also get in through vents, gaps under doors, and other openings in your home's exterior.

When termites are in our homes, they spend their time in areas that put them in direct contact with their food source; wood. Termites are known as "silent invaders" because of their ability to move into our homes without notice and stay for long periods before we realize they're there. Since termites live and feed on the interior portion of wood, we don't typically "see" termites. They aren't like ants that move across the surfaces of our homes, searching for crumbs and spills. Some of the most common places we discover termite activity include structural wood, wooden floor joists, ceiling beams, floorboards, wooden furniture, and wood cabinets.

Termites are dangerous to have nesting and feeding where we live. Termites feed on cellulose found in trees and wooden materials, and as they feed, they destroy its structural integrity. If termites get into a home and you don't get rid of them quickly, over time, they can cause severe damage to its structure that is time-consuming and difficult to repair. A not-so-fun fact about termites is that they are responsible for generating billions of dollars in damages across the U.S. each year. Preventing termites from finding their way to your property is essential since most home insurance companies will not cover termite damage.

Termites are pests that require the expertise of a professional to find, identify, and eliminate them from our California properties. Both subterranean and drywood termites cause damage to our structures, but they have very different nesting and feeding habits. Knowing which has infiltrated your home is critical to effectively treating and removing these pests. At The Termite Guy, our professionals will accurately identify the termites on your property and provide the treatments necessary to eliminate the infestation. We will offer you the long-term support needed to prevent future issues with these destructive pests. If subterranean or drywood termites ever find their way to your home, you can count on us to completely remove the infestation. For exceptional termite prevention and termite control in Orange, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties, call The Termite Guy!

Outside you can find fleas and ticks anywhere warm-blood animals go. Woodpiles, weeds, and debris in your yard will attract rodents and the ticks that feed on them. Taking a pet outdoors without preventative tick control increases the likelihood of picking up ticks. Fleas are also easy to pick up in our travels. Fleas can be transferred from one animal to another while walking pets or at a dog park. Fleas will also attach to our socks, pants, and shoes to hitchhike their way into our homes. Because they breed rapidly, you will likely soon have a flea infestation in your home.

Ticks and fleas endanger our family's health and the health of our pets. Both of these pests can transfer a variety of dangerous diseases. When we find ticks on humans or pets, removing them quickly and correctly is important. Ticks can spread diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick paralysis, and Lyme disease to people. Our dogs are susceptible to canine ehrlichiosis and canine babesia. Fleas bites can transmit things such as murine typhus, tularemia, and tapeworm to people, to name a few. Fleas on our pets can cause anemia and tapeworms. With a flea allergy, the constant scratching at the itchy bites can leave people and pets in danger of secondary infections.

Ticks and fleas are parasitic pests that feed on the blood of their hosts. The preferred hosts depend on the flea and tick species, but most in our area will bite and feed on people and pets. Ticks are not technically insects; they are arachnids, more closely related to spiders. They have eight legs and are quite small before they feed. After the tick bites and feeds, it will become engorged. Specific sizes and colors vary depending on the species. Fleas are insects that range in size from 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch. While incredibly small, it is usually possible for people to see them. Fleas are dark brown to reddish-brown and have a flat shape. A flea's preferred host is typically the family pet, but once in your home, you will also find flea bites on humans.

You can take several steps around your property and home to make it less comfortable for termites. Use the following termite prevention tips to help guard your property against destructive termites: - Reduce excess moisture in your home that will attract subterranean termites by replacing damaged roof shingles, repairing leaky pipes, and replacing damaged weatherstripping around windows and doors. - Maintain at least an 18-inch barrier between any soil or mulch and your foundation. - Store woodpiles or wood construction materials away from the outside walls of your home. - Inspect wooden furniture, flooring, and other wooden items you bring into your home for holes in the exterior. If you notice mud tubes on your foundation or basement walls, bubbling paint, or any wood damage, immediately contact a termite professional. For termite control near you, call The Termite Guy today.