Termite identification · 8–12 min

How to spot termite warning signs

UC IPM says California has drywood and subterranean termites, and the signs differ. Catching activity early still needs a professional inspection. Local treatment versus whole-structure fumigation depends on species and how widespread the infestation is, not on a first-year versus third-year rule.

A close-up view of small light-tan drywood termite frass pellets accumulating on a wooden windowsill

What you'll learn

  • How UC IPM describes drywood termite fecal pellets (six hexagonal sides) versus other wood debris
  • Where to look for subterranean termite shelter tubes
  • That drywood swarmers are most often seen in daytime in summer and fall, and Reticulitermes can swarm after spring or fall rain
  • That a WDO report is a Branch 3 document under BPC 8516, not an automatic annual requirement for every home

Step by step

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Safety note

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