Safe Pest Control Services

Termites aren’t something many people think about until they find signs of them, or damage caused by them. Here in the communities around Thurston County, they’re something worth keeping an eye on if you own a home or building made from wood. Termites don’t just cause a mess like ants or rodents, they can potentially cause expensive and dangerous structural damage to your home. 

With a little knowledge of common termite signs to look for, they can be spotted early and managed before they cause serious harm.

Termite Species in Thurston County

There are two main types of termites that affect homes and buildings in Western Washington:

• Western Subterranean Termites – These are the most common termites in the Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater area. They live underground in wet soil and build mud tubes that work like highways from their nests to wood sources. They’re small and light-colored. Subterranean termites swarm (fly in groups) during the spring. You might spot them on warm, sunny days after rain. This is when they’re out looking to establish new colonies.
• Pacific Dampwood Termites – These termites are larger than their underground cousins. They eat wet or decaying wood. You’ll often find them in logs, rotting tree stumps, or wooden structures with moisture damage. Unlike subterranean termites, they don’t need to live in soil. Dampwood termites are more common in forested areas, but they can be a problem near leaky roofs, plumbing, or in moisture-damaged crawlspaces.

Each species of termite acts a little differently, but both do real damage the longer they go untreated.

Signs Termite Problems

Termites are often called "silent destroyers." They can be hard to spot with an untrained eye until they start causing damage. Some signs to watch out for include:

• Mud tubes along your foundation, walls, or in your crawlspace
• Soft, squishy, or hollow-sounding wood when tapped
• Frass, or termite droppings, that look like tiny wood-colored pellets somewhat uniform in shape
• Discarded swarmer wings near windowsills or doors
• Bubbly paint or spots on the wall that look like water damage 
• Saggy spots in your floors or ceilings that indicate structural damage

Because termites work from the inside out, you may not notice the damage until it becomes serious. 

One of the best things you can do to prevent termite damage, especially in older homes or homes with previous water damage, is having an annual pest control inspection by a professional. 

What Causes Termite Activity in This Area?

Western Washington’s cool, damp climate creates the perfect environment for termites—especially subterranean and dampwood varieties. Moisture is a big factor in most termite issues we in homes. Leaky pipes, ventilation issues, clogged gutters, and wet crawlspaces all attract termites looking for soft or water-damaged wood.

Outside, structures with wood-to-soil contact (like decks, porch posts, or firewood stacked against the house) are also more at risk. 

A Smarter Approach: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

At Spectrum Pest Management, we use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices when dealing with termites.

We start with a full inspection to find termites and the conditions attracting them. Then, we seal entry points, fix moisture issues, and use highly targeted treatments to safely reduce or eliminate the colony.

We are a human-centered pest management company, and we use IPM because it’s better for your home, your family, and our local ecosystems.

Call Spectrum Pest Management for Termite Help

If you see signs of termites or just aren’t sure, it’s smart to get a professional inspection done by somebody who knows what to look for. Termite damage can be costly, especially if it goes unnoticed. In areas like ours where moisture and wood go hand in hand, regular checks are a good idea. We offer full inspections for just $120, including a full report with pictures and a customized treatment plan.

If you’ve spotted signs of termites or found damage, Spectrum Pest Management is here to help. Contact us at (360) 284-4450 to schedule an appointment with our termite control technician. We’ll put together a smart, effective approach to kick out termites and give you long-term protection.