About Termites
Termites are wood-feeding insects that live in highly organized colonies consisting of specialized castes. They remain hidden for much of their lives and often go unnoticed until signs of activity appear around wood, soil, or foundations. Termite biology and colony behavior make them distinct from all other household pests, especially in how they interact with structures.
Colony Organization and Caste Roles
Termites operate within a complex social structure. Each member of the colony has a specific function tied to its caste.
Common castes include:
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Workers, which gather food, care for young, and maintain tunnels
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Soldiers, which defend the colony using enlarged jaws or chemical defenses
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Reproductives, which include the king, queen, and winged swarmers
This caste system allows colonies to grow and sustain themselves for long periods—often years or decades.
Termite Castes in California Species
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Subterranean species have large worker populations and build extended tunnel systems beneath soil.
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Drywood species rely on a smaller colony size, living entirely within wood without soil contact.
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Western subterranean termites, common in many regions, include aggressive worker castes that expand foraging areas year-round.
Caste behavior varies significantly depending on species and local climate.
What Do Termites Eat?
Termites feed primarily on cellulose, a structural component found in:
- Wood framing
- Subflooring
- Fencing
- Deck materials
- Firewood
- Hardwood furniture
- Door frames and window casings
- Landscaping timbers
They break down cellulose with the help of specialized microorganisms in their digestive systems, allowing them to extract energy from material most insects cannot utilize.
Structural Movement and Tunneling Behavior
Termites move through structures using hidden pathways that protect them from light, dry air, and predators. Their movement patterns depend on the species.
Movement often involves:
- Tunnels created within wood
- Shelter tubes built along foundations or walls
- Galleries carved through framing
- Internal chambers for egg-laying
- Moisture-seeking pathways for subterranean species
These behaviors enable termites to remain concealed while expanding their feeding area.
Movement Patterns in California Regions
- In Northern and Central California, subterranean termites commonly build mud tubes along foundations during wet seasons.
- Drywood termites in coastal counties move internally through framing, often without exterior signs.
- Areas with frequent irrigation create favorable soil moisture, contributing to increased subterranean movement.
- Warm valleys allow termites to stay active for longer periods compared to cooler mountain or coastal regions.
The state’s climate diversity shapes distinct movement behaviors.
Signs of Termite Activity
Termites often remain unnoticed until their activity becomes visible. Early evidence may be subtle and depends on both species and location.
Common indicators include:
- Hollow-sounding or weakened wood
- Tunnels or galleries beneath surfaces
- Discarded wings from swarmers
- Piles of pellet-like droppings (from drywood termites)
- Soil tubes along foundations, posts, or walls
- Warped door frames or sticking windows
- Bubbling paint or signs of internal moisture
Signs may vary depending on the building’s age, material, and moisture conditions.
Termite Signs Reported in California
- Drywood termite frass commonly appears in attics, windowsills, and older wood furniture.
- Foundation mud tubes are typical in valleys, foothills, and irrigated suburban areas.
- Swarmers appear seasonally, often triggered by warm temperatures following rainfall.
- Homes near the coast may show multiple small infestations due to long-standing moisture patterns.
Different climate zones show different seasonal and structural indicators.
Environmental Conditions That Influence Termites
Termites depend heavily on moisture, wood availability, and stable temperatures. Conditions that promote termite activity include:
- Consistent warmth
- Moist or softened wood
- Soil with accessible moisture
- Wood-to-ground contact
- Poor ventilation in enclosed spaces
Colonies grow more quickly in environments where temperature and humidity remain stable.
Common California Conditions Favoring Termites
- Coastal fog and marine air create environments where drywood termites thrive in exposed wood.
- Irrigated landscaping and garden borders provide ideal soil moisture for subterranean colonies.
- Long warm seasons in Southern California extend swarming and feeding periods.
- Mountain or foothill homes with older construction may experience hidden internal moisture, encouraging activity.
California’s regional microclimates create highly variable termite pressures.
Termite Swarming and Seasonal Patterns
Swarmers (winged reproductives) emerge from colonies to establish new sites. Swarming patterns differ by species.
Typical swarming influences include:
- Rising temperatures
- Shifts in humidity
- Seasonal transitions
- Recent rainfall or moisture increases
While swarming does not cause damage directly, it signals an active colony nearby.
Seasonal Activity in California
- Western subterranean termites often swarm in late winter and spring, especially after rain.
- Drywood termites swarm in late summer and early fall, especially during warm coastal evenings.
- Southern regions may experience multiple swarming periods in a single year depending on weather patterns.
- Inland valleys often report spikes after unusually wet winters.
Swarming timing helps indicate which species are active in an area.