Pest Library
Identify wood-destroying organisms common to Southern California homes and learn about the appropriate treatments.
Drywood Termites
Incisitermes minor
The most common termite in Southern California. Live inside wood, no soil contact needed. Identified by hexagonal frass pellets and swarmers in late summer.
Warning Signs
- Hexagonal frass pellets
- Discarded wings near windows
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Small kick-out holes
Recommended Treatment
Tent Fumigation or Orange OilSubterranean Termites
Reticulitermes hesperus
Lives underground in massive colonies. Creates mud tubes to travel between soil and wood. Causes more structural damage than any other pest in the US.
Warning Signs
- Mud tubes on foundation
- Hollow wood near soil
- Spring swarmers
- Damaged floor joists
Recommended Treatment
Liquid Soil Barrier (Termidor)Carpenter Ants
Camponotus species
Do not eat wood — excavate it to nest. Attracted to moist or rotting wood. Larger than termites, visible foraging workers.
Warning Signs
- Coarse sawdust-like frass
- Smooth galleries against grain
- Large black ants visible
- Rustling sounds in walls
Recommended Treatment
Targeted ant treatment + moisture repair
Powderpost Beetles
Lyctus / Anobiidae species
Larvae tunnel through hardwoods and softwoods. Identified by small round exit holes and fine powdery frass.
Warning Signs
- Small round exit holes (1/16–1/8")
- Fine powder frass
- Adult beetles near windows
- Weakened wood structure
Recommended Treatment
Borate Wood Treatment (BoraCare)Old House Borer
Hylotrupes bajulus
Larvae live in softwood structural lumber for 2–10 years before emerging. Common in homes built before 1950.
Warning Signs
- Oval exit holes (1/4–3/8")
- Coarse granular frass
- Rippling wood surface
- Adults in summer
Recommended Treatment
Borate Treatment or FumigationFormosan Subterranean Termites
Coptotermes formosanus
An invasive, aggressive species now present in parts of Southern California. Colonies can exceed 3 million workers and cause severe damage rapidly.
Warning Signs
- Carton nests in walls
- Very large mud tubes
- Aggressive swarmers (May–June)
- Rapid structural damage
Recommended Treatment
Liquid Barrier + Baiting SystemNot Sure What You Have?
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