![Reproductives of dampwood, drywood and subterranean termites (L-R). [R. Tabuchi]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/35186small.jpg)
Termite Awareness Week (March 16-22) is a campaign created by the National Pest Management Association to call attention to the damage termites can cause to structures and to make sure homeowners understand how to prevent and deal with termite infestations.
Did you know?
- Of the 23 species of termites in California, only three are considered pests. The three pest species are dampwood, drywood, and subterranean termites.
- Subterranean termites are the most common in California. They can be found infesting wood that is in contact with the soil, including structural lumber in homes and landscapes, as...
![Swarming subterranean termites. [Photo by A.M. Sutherland]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/22632small.jpg)
Finding out that your house is infested with subterranean termites is among many homeowners' greatest fears. Mud-covered shelter tubes in the basement or crawl space may be the first sign that homeowners observe; these tubes allow termites to travel from the soil beneath the house to the wooden structure above. Or you may simply see swarms of winged termites in the spring or fall on a sunny day after rain. If you think you have a termite infestation, you need to call a professional for help. A newly revised Pest Note: Subterranean and Other Termites by Vernard Lewis, UC Berkeley, Andrew Sutherland, UC IPM, and Mike Haverty, UC Berkeley, provides information on...
