Free Termite Inspections!

Are you seeing signs of termites? Give us a call for a free home inspection and hassle free quote. 714-540-0200 (some restrictions apply)

Termite Damage vs Dry Rot

Termite damage and dry rot can cause extensive damage to structures. The two forms of damage look similar to one another and might not be noticed right away. Being able to differentiate between the two is important for treating the potentially disastrous problems.

Dry rot damage repaired on a condo in Westminster, CA


TUSTIN, CA — West Nile Virus reported

There were 108 new WNV positive mosquito samples reported in California last week from the following counties: Butte (12), Fresno (2), Kern (8), Kings (1), Los Angeles (3), Orange (5), Placer (5), Riverside (3), Sacramento (7), San Bernardino (1), San Joaquin (8), Stanislaus (6), Sutter (10), Tulare (24), Yolo (10), and Yuba (3). 

348 mosquito samples from 21 counties have tested positive for WNV in 2015.

If you plan on spending time outdoors this weekend, please wear repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR 3535.


West Nile Virus Outbreak

The 2014 West Nile Virus outbreak in Orange County resulted in nearly 300 infected humans and 7 deaths.


The Orange County Vector Control District offers these tips for reducing and eliminating mosquitoes on and near your property:

Ornamental Ponds

Stock with mosquito fish, which are available free of charge to the public at our office. Add goldfish for looks if desired, but they do little for mosquito control. Avoid spraying with garden insect sprays. Remove leaves and thin out pond lilies. Keep water level up. Screen inlet of recirculation pump. Chlorine kills fish- transfer fish to glass bowl when cleaning pond. If pond is no longer desired, break holes in bottom and fill with dirt or sand.

Concrete or Plastic Swimming Pools

Operate filter and skimmer everyday to remove egg rafts and larvae. Provide drainage for filer and pump sumps. Chlorine will NOT kill mosquito larvae. If a pool cover is used, keep it tightly sealed. Remove rainwater from the top of the pool cover. Stock unused or "out-of-order" pools with mosquito fish. To see a video of mosquito larvae in an unused pool, click here.

Boats and Boat Covers

Prevent accumulation of bilge water. Store small boats upside down or cover to keep out rain and water from sprinklers.

Animal Water Troughs

Stock large troughs with mosquito fish. Clean small troughs every week.

Other Kinds of Containers

Remove and dispose of all unused containers that will collect rain or water from sprinklers:

  • Cans
  • Old Tires
  • Lawn and patio drains
  • Jars
  • Buckets
  • Irrigation valve boxes
  • Barrels
  • Tubs
  • Tarps covering outdoor equipment

Home gardeners rooting plant cuttings in vases, buckets, etc. should change water every week.

Rain gutters should be clear of leaves and debris. Click hereto see a video of mosquito larvae in a rain gutter.

Usable containers should be stored upside down.

 

DRYWOOD TERMITES | Damage & Repair

The western drywood termite is a native insect that has been here millions of years, mostly attacking trees along river washes and arroyos.

In California drywood termites are most prevalent in southern California and the Central Valley.



Drywood termites are secretive insects and are difficult to detect. They live deep inside wood and, except during periods when they swarm or when repair work is being done on infested homes, they are seldom seen. 



While a homeowner may initially detect the presence of termites when they swarm or if fecal pellets are discovered, inspecting for drywood termites and determining the extent of an infestation requires specified training and experience.


All drywood termite control methods can be categorized as either whole-structure or localized. A whole-structure treatment is defined as the simultaneous treatment of all infestations, accessible and inaccessible, in a structure. A localized or spot treatment is more restrictive, often applied to a single board or small group of boards.