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For Lynwood homeowners, a silent destroyer is lurking beneath their feet and in their walls. Southern Cal events and Termites destroy millions of dollars in property every year throughout Southern California. Still, this city’s unique conditions also contribute to a perfect breeding ground for these wood-destroying insects. Termites in Lynwood are common due to the warm climate and older housing stock.
Many homeowners do not even realize they have a problem until there is large-scale structural damage. These pests never stop working, gnawing at wooden beams, flooring, and supporting structures, leaving the wreckage barely visible on the surface. Most insurance policies do not cover termite damage, which can make the financial impact quite overwhelming. If you notice or suspect termites in your home in Lynwood, your first step toward protecting your investment is to contact licensed pest control professionals from Saela Pest Control.
Why Are Lynwood Homes Vulnerable?
- Climate Conditions Support Year-Round Activity
Lynwood’s Mediterranean climate is perfect for termites to thrive and breed. Colonies never go dormant, as they would in the winters of colder regions. Termites are active year-round in areas where temperatures rarely fall below 50°F. This level of activity translates to nonstop feasting and more rapid structural damage to homes.
- Older Housing Stock With Wooden Structures
The Lynwood area had a high number of wood-framed homes built in the 1940s and 1970s. Nearly 68% of Lynwood’s housing units were built before 1980, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Termites gain access to many of these older properties through wood-to-soil contact points, which are common in some of these old houses. As they age, original wooden siding, window frames, and support beams lose their protective qualities.
- Moisture From Irrigation and Plumbing
Southern California landscaping practices create moisture-rich environments around home foundations. Lawn sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, and water features add moisture to the soil. Water sources attract colonies of subterranean termites because they require moisture to survive. Small and sometimes undetectable leaks paired with the old plumbing found in most Lynwood homes can create ideal conditions within walls for years.
- Dense Urban Development
With a population density in Lynwood of more than 18,000 people per square mile, homes are tightly packed together. Termite risk for surrounding homes increases when one property is infested. They can transmit from home to home through underground tunnel systems. Termites run along shared fences, touching eaves and adjacent wooden structures, creating highways across neighborhoods.
- Proximity to the Los Angeles River
Lynwood’s western border is lined by the Los Angeles River, which adds humidity to the surrounding area. Termite pressure in properties adjacent to the river corridor is significantly higher due to the moisture and vegetation. The ecosystem along the river sustains larger termite populations that will naturally spread into homes.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
- Mud tubes on the walls of a foundation, in a crawl space, or from the soil to wood.
- Lingering hollow sound when you knock on baseboards, door frames, or support beams. Termites consume timber from the inside, so only a thin surface veneer is left.
- Shed out wings close to windows, entryways, or light installations, particularly in springtime.
- Small, wood-colored pellets, called frass or termite droppings, are found near wood furniture or structures.
- Windows or doors that you once had very little trouble opening suddenly become a challenge to open or close.
Stay Vigilant Against Hidden Termite Threats
Since most termite damage occurs gradually over months or even years, homeowners feel lulled into a false sense of security. When you start to see floors sagging or wood crumbling, it could be thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs needed. Having a professional inspect your home can detect an infestation in its early stages, where treatment is much easier and cost-effective. Companies such as Saela Pest Control offer extended, detailed termite threat inspections in and around the city of Lynwood, using equipment most homeowners would miss. They are familiar with the various termite types in Southern California and tailor treatment strategies to meet regional standards.