When do termites swarm in Sacramento?
UC IPM says western subterranean termites swarm on calm, sunny days right after the first autumn rains, and in the northern valley they may also swarm in spring. Drywood termite swarms are usually in late summer or fall. Dates change from year to year, so treat any month as approximate.
A swarm is a reproductive flight, not an infestation by itself. Swarmers that appear indoors, however, mean a colony is likely in or near the structure, because they rarely travel far.
Our Sacramento pest calendar lists the swarm windows alongside ants, yellowjackets and rodents. If you capture swarmers, keep a few in a sealed container for the technician.
How do I tell subterranean termites from drywood termites?
Subterranean termites build mud tubes and need soil contact, and their damage often follows moisture. Drywood termites live inside dry wood without soil contact and leave small, hard pellets. Swarmers are one more clue. A technician makes the final identification because the two are treated differently.
Vendor pages say subterranean termites are the most common in Sacramento, with drywood also present, but treat that as a general statement rather than a count. Either one can be hiding in an attic, crawl space or outbuilding.
If you see mud tubes, call about termite control as soon as practical. If you see pellets under trim or a beam, the technician may suggest an inspection report first.
Do I need a termite inspection before buying or selling a home?
A Wood Destroying Pests and Organisms Inspection Report records what an inspector found in the visible and accessible areas, and the company must file the address with the Structural Pest Control Board within 10 business days. Whether one is needed for your sale depends on your contract, so ask your agent.
The report covers the visible and accessible areas of the home, which is why it may flag areas for further inspection. It is not a guarantee that no termites are present in places that could not be seen.
The next step after a finding is a treatment quote. Our termite inspection report page explains how to read the findings.
Why does the wet season matter for subterranean termites?
Subterranean termites depend on soil moisture, and Sacramento's wet season, roughly November to March, saturates clay soils and keeps the ground damp against foundations. Leaks, poor drainage and irrigation spray near the wall extend that moisture into the dry months.
Fixing downspouts that dump at the foundation, redirecting sprinklers and keeping wood and mulch off the ground all reduce the conditions termites prefer. Crawl spaces with poor ventilation or old plumbing leaks are common problem areas in older homes. See crawl space pest control for that part of the house.
How can I reduce termite risk around my house?
Keep wood and mulch off the soil near the foundation, fix leaks and downspouts that wet it, keep crawl-space vents clear and point sprinklers away from the wall. Subterranean termites need soil moisture, so removing moisture and soil-to-wood contact reduces the conditions they use.
Stored lumber, firewood stacked against the siding, fence boards touching the soil and planter boxes built against stucco all give termites a bridge from the ground to the structure. Move them a few inches away when you can.
Keep a simple record: photos of any tubes, swarmers or damaged wood, with dates. It helps the technician and gives you a basis for comparing future inspections, especially if you buy or sell.
