<p></p> <img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/AdobeStock_464482515.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: ;width: "/> <p></p> <p>When hiring a termite control company, it’s helpful to know some commonly used industry terms and their definitions.</p> <p><strong>dampwood termites</strong><br>Termites that prefer wood that has a high moisture content</p> <p><strong>drywood termites</strong><br>Usually found in dry, non-decayed wood, including live trees, buildings, utility poles, etc.</p> <p><strong>hardwood</strong><br>Wood from non-evergreen trees such as maple, oak and ash. Some termites prefer boring into hardwood.</p> <p><strong>Integrated Pest Management</strong><br>A planned pest control program that uses various methods (pesticides, structural alterations, regular inspection and monitoring, etc.) to control pests, including termites<br><em>Also known as: IPM</em></p> <p><strong>new wood</strong><br>Standing or freshly felled trees and unseasoned lumber. Some termite species prefer new wood and seek out standing trees or those that have been recently cut.</p> <p><strong>old wood</strong><br>Seasoned or dried lumber. This type of wood may attract some types of termites, including drywood termites.</p> <p><strong>softwood</strong><br>Wood from evergreen trees such as pines, firs and spruces. Drywood termites often prefer this type of wood.</p> <p><strong>subterranean termites</strong><br>Colonies of termites that reside underground. They can cause damage to home foundations.</p> <p><strong>swarmers</strong><br>The winged forms of male and female termites that leave the colony in the spring or fall, usually in a large swarm<br><em>Also known as: alates</em></p> <p><strong>swarming</strong><br>When the winged forms of male and female termites leave the colony to mate and start new colonies. Swarms are often the first sign of a termite infestation.</p> <p><strong>termite bait</strong><br>An attractant (usually an artificial or chemical substance) that is consumed like food. Most termite baits contain a toxin that termites ingest or take back to their nests, where large numbers of termites ingest the toxin.</p> <p><strong>termite shield</strong><br>A barrier (usually made of noncorrosive metal) that’s placed in or on a foundation wall or at some other point in a structure to prevent termites from entering</p> <p><strong>termiticide</strong><br>Pesticide used to protect a structure against subterranean termites. Termiticide is usually sprayed by a termite extermination company. However, some termiticides are available for purchase at hardware stores or garden centers.</p> <p><strong>trenching</strong><br>A method of preventing termites from entering a structure by digging a trench around the structure and treating the soil used to fill in the trench with a termiticide or other preventive product.</p> <p><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a></p> <p><strong>Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic</strong><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-pest-control/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Pest Control Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-pest-control/" target="_self">San Francisco Pest Control Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-pest-control/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Pest Control Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-pest-control/" target="_self">Sonoma County Pest Control Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/napa-pest-control/" target="_self">Napa County Pest Control Companies</a></p> <p><strong>Related Articles</strong><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Pest-Control/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Pest Control &amp; Termite Services</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Rated Local Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>