According to the Pest Control Operators of California, termites infest about 1 in every 50 homes in the United States. These gases threaten building occupants, neighbors, and the environment. In most or all cases, the use of these toxic fumigants is not necessary safer alternatives for the control of wood-destroying pests are becoming widely available and have proven effective. The Problem Drywood termites are common pests throughout southern California and as far north as the Bay Area. They live entirely within wood.
Subterranean termites are more widespread, and nest in the ground foraging above ground for food.
They are almost entirely dependent on moisture and prefer moist wood. All of these insects can cause serious damage to wooden structures. As a result, when termites are detected, people often rush to deal with the problem. It is important to remember, though, that by the time termites are detected, the infestation has almost always been there for quite a while, and they will not do much more damage in the amount of time it takes to fully investigate different treatment alternatives . Then the tarpaulins are removed and the house is allowed to air out before the inhabitants are allowed back in.