The West Coast has a mild climate that pests love. California, Oregon, and Washington do not have the freezing winters that kill pests in other parts of the country. That means many pests are active almost all year. Termites and ants are the two biggest problems for West Coast homeowners.
Drywood termites are different. Unlike the subterranean termites common in the East, California and other West Coast states have drywood termites. These termites do not need contact with soil. They live inside the wood they eat. They can infest furniture, door frames, and attic beams. You might see small piles of wood-colored droppings (frass) near infested wood. Drywood termites are hard to treat with DIY methods. Professional treatment is usually needed.
Carpenter ants are a big problem in the Pacific Northwest. Oregon and Washington have a lot of rain. Wet wood attracts carpenter ants. They tunnel through wood to build their nests. Over time, they can weaken the structure of your home. If you see sawdust-like material near baseboards or window frames, you may have carpenter ants. Fixing moisture problems is the best way to prevent them.
Rodents are active all year on the West Coast. The mild climate means mice and rats breed all year. In California, roof rats are common. They get into attics and can cause a lot of damage. Sealing entry points and trimming trees away from roofs helps prevent rodent problems.
What you can do. Check your home for signs of termites every year. Look for piles of frass or mud tubes. Fix any moisture problems. Keep trees and bushes trimmed. If you see signs of termites or carpenter ants, call a professional immediately. The sooner you treat the problem, the less damage they can do. USPC serves California, Oregon, Washington, and the entire West Coast.
