Pests Can Be More Than Just A Nuisance

Termites are the most notorious pest in the United States, costing Americans billions in structural damage and another $2 billion annually to treat them. We deal with different types of termites in Northern California: Drywood and Subterranean. A single colony can contain thousands of bugs, all capable of putting property owners through an economic nightmare.

Drywood Termites go after healthy wood of any kind, including decks, fences, and inside your walls and support beams. They carve out tunnels through the wood, and over time can chew through so much of your property, the entire building becomes unstable. Subterranean Termites are a bit different, in that they stay along the ground, moving up through the soil and chew at the bottom of buildings, destroying the lumber that creates the structure of the home or business. If you suspect a termite infestation, you’ll need to call a pest control expert immediately. It’s also essential to have your home inspected for damage, so you know what sort of repairs you’ll need.

These two pests are another major problem in Northern California, capable of chewing through entire libraries if left untreated. They feast on cellulose, which sends them after clothing, closets, bookcases, and even the paper and binding glue within those books. They’ll seek out the starch and make their way over to raid your pantry if they can. Silverfish and Firebrats are remarkably similar insects and even look the same. Silverfish are shiny and named for their silver coloring. They get to around ¾ of an inch in sizes. Firebrats, in contrast, are about half an inch long and are typically brown or grey. The two breed rapidly, churning out as many as 200 eggs at once. They also have an incredibly long lifespan, with some silverfish surviving for up to 8 years.

Ants are a colossal nuisance in California and one of the most common pests within households and businesses. There are several different ants causing chaos in Solano County.

Carpenter Ants are incredibly destructive, chewing through wood material to build their nests. They’re often confused with termites since the damage they cause is similar. Carpenter Ants come inside buildings searching for places to build their nests, which contain thousands of insects. If they’re outside, they’ll seek out trees or landscaping material where they can settle, killing healthy plants and rendering the construction wood unusable. Inside, they chew holes through your walls, doors, and insulation. They also have good defense mechanisms, packing a painful bite they’ll unleash if they encounter anyone who threatens them.

Red Imported Fire Ants and Southern Fire Ants can develop colonies near your home and inflict a burning, painful bite. They take over electrical junction boxes, chewing on the insulation and causing equipment damage, failure, and the potential for a fire. The FDA estimates that Fire Ants are responsible for 750 million dollars in damage each year, which includes crop and livestock loss.

The Argentine Ant is an invasive species that’s taken over the competition with native ones. They are incredibly aggressive, killing off many other insects, altering the entire ecosystem of Northern California. They’re tough to get rid of entirely because they form colony nests, each with its own queen, each growing exponentially by the day. Argentine Ants form a symbiotic relationship with plants pests such as aphids and mealy bugs. The ants act as bodyguards in exchange for food, while the economic losses due to plant and flower loss.

Cascade Pest Systems is unique in that we are a top-rated pest control company and a full-service construction company. We can inspect your property for any infestations and damage, then, eliminate the pest issue and do the necessary repair work. Cascade Pest Systems is locally owned and operated in Vacaville. We are your friend and neighbor, familiar with the specific pest problems we face in Northern California. We’re a small company, which means our reputation is entirely dependent on our quality of work. We don’t have a big corporation to hide behind. Our notoriety comes from our customers being entirely and consistently satisfied with the job we do, and we take great pride in that.