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Termite Control

Protect Your Upland, CA Home from a Termite Problem

In Upland, California, homeowners face a significant risk from termites, pests known for causing extensive damage to wooden structures both silently and swiftly. The local climate, which is characterized by mild winters and warm summers, creates an ideal breeding ground for these destructive insects. Protecting your home from termites is crucial in maintaining its structural integrity and value. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to safeguard your Upland home from termites, incorporating prevention strategies and recognizing early signs of infestation.

Preventive Measures to Deter Termite Infestations

1. Regular Inspections

The first step in preventing termite problems is to conduct regular inspections. Hire a professional pest control service to inspect your home annually. These experts can spot early signs of termite activity and take preventive actions before significant damage occurs.

2. Moisture Control

Termites thrive in moist environments. Ensure that your home’s foundation remains dry through proper drainage. Fix leaks promptly, use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces, and maintain gutters and downspouts to divert water away from your home.

3. Proper Ventilation

Ventilation plays a critical role in keeping damp areas of your home dry. Ventilate crawl spaces and attics to reduce humidity levels, which can attract termites.

4. Wood Treatments

Treat wood structures with termite-resistant finishes and coatings. If you are building or remodeling, consider using treated wood, especially near the foundation, windows, and door frames.

5. Landscaping and Yard Maintenance

Keep the perimeter of your home clear of wood debris, such as fallen branches and tree stumps, which can attract termites. Use mulch sparingly, as it retains moisture and can serve as a food source for termites. Instead, opt for alternative ground covers like rock or rubber mulch.

Early Signs of Termite Infestation

Detecting a termite infestation early can significantly reduce the extent of damage and the cost of repairs. Be vigilant for these signs:

  • Mud Tubes: Look for pencil-sized dirt tunnels near the home’s foundation or on exterior walls, which termites build to travel safely between their colony and food sources.
  • Hollow Wood: Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. Tap on your wood structures. If they sound hollow, it might be time to call an exterminator.
  • Frass: Drywood termites, common in California, leave behind wood-colored droppings as they eat through wood. Finding these tiny pellets near woodwork is a clear sign of infestation.
  • Swarmers: The appearance of winged termites or discarded wings inside your home can indicate an active termite colony. These swarmers emerge to start new colonies and are often mistaken for flying ants.

What to Do if You Detect Termites

If you suspect a termite problem:

  • Do not disturb the termites or the affected area. This can cause them to spread to other parts of your home.
  • Contact a licensed pest control professional. They can confirm the presence of termites and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include soil treatments, bait systems, or fumigation, depending on the severity of the infestation.
  • Follow-up on treatments. After initial treatment, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to prevent reinfestation.

Living in Upland, CA, does not have to mean accepting termite damage as inevitable. By taking proactive steps to protect your home and staying alert to the signs of termite activity, you can prevent these pests from becoming a costly problem. Remember, the key to termite management is prevention, early detection, and prompt professional intervention. Protect your investment by ensuring your home remains a termite-free zone. – call Bug Baron Exterminator today.

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Termite Control

What Should I Do if I Find Out My Home Has Termites?

Discovering termites in your home can indeed be very distressing. These pests are notorious for causing significant structural damage that can be expensive to repair. If you find termites in your residence, it’s crucial to handle the situation promptly to minimize damage and eradicate the pests efficiently.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Avoid Disturbing the Termites

It’s natural to want to immediately start removing affected wood or spraying the area with insecticide, but disturbing the termites can cause them to scatter and establish new colonies elsewhere in your home. Instead, mark the areas where activity is noticed and keep them undisturbed until a professional can assess the situation.

2. Contact a Pest Control Professional

Termite treatment is not a DIY job. It requires professional skills, tools, and knowledge to effectively address the infestation. Pest control professionals can provide a thorough assessment and recommend a treatment plan tailored to the specific type of termite and the extent of the infestation.

Understanding Professional Termite Treatments

Depending on the severity and type of termite infestation, different methods of eradication can be employed:

  • Liquid Pesticides: Professionals may use termiticides, which are liquid pesticides specifically formulated for termites, applied to the soil around and beneath the home. This creates a barrier that kills termites as they attempt to enter the structure or return to the soil.
  • Bait Systems: This involves installing bait stations around your property. These stations contain a bait material that termites feed on and carry back to their colony. The bait includes a slow-acting poison that disrupts the termites’ ability to grow and reproduce, eventually eliminating the colony.
  • Fumigation: For severe infestations, especially with drywood termites, fumigation might be necessary. This process involves sealing the home and introducing a fumigant that fills the space, penetrating all wood where termites live, and effectively killing all active termites.

Preventive Measures Post-Treatment

Once your home has been treated, it’s vital to implement measures to prevent future infestations:

  • Regular Monitoring: Installation of termite monitoring stations around your property can help detect termite activity early before a full-blown infestation develops. These stations should be checked regularly by a professional.
  • Reduce Moisture: Termites are attracted to moisture, so fixing leaky taps, ensuring good drainage around your home, and using dehumidifiers in crawl spaces and basements can help make your home less attractive to termites.
  • Remove Food Sources: Keep firewood, mulch, and other cellulose-based materials away from your home’s foundation. Trim any bushes or trees touching your home to reduce termite access.
  • Annual Inspections: Even after an initial treatment, annual inspections by a qualified pest control professional can ensure that your home remains termite-free and can help catch new activity early.

Understanding the Costs Involved

Addressing a termite infestation can vary in cost depending on the treatment type, the size of the infested area, and the severity of the infestation. It’s a worthwhile investment considering the potential damage termites can cause if not controlled.

Taking quick and effective action upon discovering termites can save you not only a lot of stress but also considerable amounts of money on home repairs. By understanding the treatment options available and implementing preventive measures, you can secure your home against one of nature’s most destructive pests. Regular professional evaluations and adopting preventive measures are key to keeping your home safe and maintaining its value over time. If your home has termites, do not delay, reach out to Bug Baron Exterminating.

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Termite Control

How Often Does My Home Need a Termite Inspection?

Termites, often unseen pests, can cause significant structural damage to homes, which is costly to repair. The frequency of termite inspections can greatly influence the early detection and management of these pests. Regular inspections are crucial, especially considering the subtle and typically hidden nature of termite infestations. Understanding when and how often to conduct these inspections can not only save your home but also a considerable amount of money in the long run.

Key Factors Influencing Inspection Frequency

1. Geographic Location

Homes located in warmer climates are more susceptible to termite activity due to the favorable conditions for termite survival and colony growth. In regions like the southern United States, where warmth and humidity prevail, annual inspections are strongly recommended.

2. Previous Termite Infestations

Properties with a history of termite problems are at increased risk of future infestations. If your home has been treated for termites in the past, maintaining a regular inspection schedule is essential to monitor any resurgence and manage risks effectively.

3. Construction Materials and Age of Home

Older homes and structures primarily made of wood are particularly vulnerable to termite attacks. These properties, especially those over thirty years old or constructed primarily from wood, should be inspected at least once every two to three years.

4. Environmental Conditions

Areas with high moisture levels, whether from natural humidity or man-made issues such as poor drainage, attract termites. Properties in these areas might require more frequent inspections to prevent termite damage. Homes with poor ventilation and drainage should consider adjustments to mitigate these risks.

The Termite Inspection Process

During a comprehensive termite inspection, a pest control professional will examine the property for signs of termite activity and vulnerabilities. They inspect both the interior and exterior of the home, including accessible crawl spaces, basements, and attics. Professionals look for common signs of termite presence such as mud tubes on foundation walls, damaged or hollow-sounding wood, and live termites or their discarded wings near windowsills and doors. The inspector also evaluates conditions conducive to termite infestations, such as wood-soil contact, excessive moisture, and cracks in foundation walls through which termites might enter.

What Happens If Termites Are Found?

If evidence of termite activity is found, the inspector will recommend a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of your home. This might include soil treatments, bait stations, or direct wood treatments. Following up with regular inspections after treatment is crucial to ensure that the infestation is completely eradicated and to monitor for any new activity.

Benefits of Regular Termite Inspections

Committing to regular inspections helps protect your home by:

  • Identifying Potential Termite Activity Before It Becomes Widespread: Early detection is key in minimizing the extent of damage and the associated repair costs.
  • Allowing for the Implementation of Preventative Measures to Reduce Future Risk: Professional inspectors can provide valuable advice on how to make your home less attractive to termites.
  • Preserving the Structural Integrity and Value of Your Property: Termites can significantly decrease the value of a home by undermining its structural stability. Regular inspections can prevent this.

Making Inspections a Routine Part of Home Maintenance

Just as you would check a home’s heating system or roof, termite inspections should be a regular part of home maintenance. Homeowners are encouraged to consult with a pest control professional to determine an inspection schedule that best fits the needs of their property and local conditions. Termite inspections are a critical aspect of home maintenance, providing peace of mind and saving homeowners significant repair costs in the long run.

By understanding the factors that affect the frequency of termite inspections and committing to a regular schedule, you can protect your investment and ensure that your home remains strong and secure for years to come. Reach out to Bug Baron Exterminators today to set up a termite inspection for your home.

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Termite Control

Are Termites a Problem in Southern California?

The Prevalence of Termites in Southern California

Termites are indeed a significant problem in Southern California. The region’s climate and environmental conditions make it an ideal habitat for these pests. It is an unfortunate reality that homeowners need to face in order to protect their property. Understanding the extent of the termite problem and the reasons behind their prevalence is crucial for homeowners in this area. A little bit of education about these pests can help homeowners understand where to focus their termite prevention efforts.

Why Termites Thrive in Southern California

  • Ideal Climate: The warm and moderately humid climate of Southern California provides perfect breeding grounds for termites. This climate facilitates their growth and spread throughout the year.
  • Variety of Termite Species: Southern California is home to several termite species, including drywood, subterranean, and dampwood termites. Each species has unique habits and infestation patterns, which contributes to the widespread termite activity in the region.
  • Wooden Structures: Many homes and buildings in Southern California are constructed using wood, which is a primary food source for termites. This makes residential and commercial properties more susceptible to termite attacks.

Identifying Termite Activity in Your Home

Knowing the signs of termite activity can help in early detection and control. Key indicators include:

  • Mud Tubes: Often built by subterranean termites, these tubes are a highway for termites to travel from their colony to their food source.
  • Wood Damage: Hollow-sounding or visibly damaged wood is a common sign of termite infestation.
  • Swarmers and Discarded Wings: The presence of winged termites or their discarded wings around windows and doors can indicate an active colony.
  • Frass: Drywood termites leave behind wood-colored droppings known as frass, which can often be found near infested areas.

The Importance of Professional Termite Control

Due to the complexities of termite behavior and the potential damage they can cause, professional termite control is vital. Professionals offer comprehensive solutions, including:

  • Thorough Inspections: Experts can identify the species of termites and the extent of the infestation.
  • Customized Treatment Plans: Based on the specific needs of your property, professionals can devise effective treatment strategies.
  • Preventive Measures: Alongside treating current infestations, professionals can also implement measures to prevent future infestations.

How to Choose the Right Pest Control Service

Selecting a competent pest control service is crucial. Look for a provider with experience in handling various termite species prevalent in Southern California. Choose a termite treatment and prevention company that has a proven track record in Southern California. Local experience and expertise can make a significant difference in the success of treatment and the overall experience of the homeowners.

Vigilance and Professional Intervention

Termites pose a significant threat to homes and buildings in Southern California. Homeowners should remain vigilant for signs of infestation and seek professional assistance promptly. Early detection and professional intervention are key to protecting your property from termite damage.

Concerned about termites? Find out more about professional termite control solutions from the experts at Bug Baron.

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Fumigation Termite Control

How Do I Know If I Have Drywood Termites?

Termites, in general, are not the type of pest you will see skittering across your floor. In fact, especially when dealing with drywood termites, you may not see much evidence at all. This can unfortunately lead to major repair bills if the drywood termite infestation goes a long period of time without being addressed. The average homeowner that has to deal with termite damage repairs will pay around $3,000 to restore their home back to normal. Because drywood termites infest the wooden structure of homes, these repair costs are not simply for aesthetics, but often to support beams and other important elements that affect the structural integrity of the home.

Signs of drywood termite infestations

While drywood termites often go undetected, there are still a few signs you can keep a lookout for to make sure you do not fall victim to paying for repairs to your home caused by termites. Signs of drywood termites are:

  • Hollow sounding wood: If you tap on a wall, trim or floor and it sounds hollow, it is possible that drywood termites have eaten away the cellulose in the wood.
  • Bubbling paint: This can also be an indication that termites are inside
  • Piles of frass: Termite excrement resembles sawdust. To clear the colony of droppings, the termites will make small holes in your walls and push out the frass, creating small piles of sawdust looking droppings.
  • Shed wings: New infestation can be caught early if you find shed termite wings on your window sills outside. Termites usually swarm and move to new locations in the summer and fall.

Tent fumigation treatment

Because drywood termites can be widespread through the structure of your home, sometimes it can be difficult to treat the colony with a localized insecticide. Tent fumigation is the better option in this case because the fumigant can get into every crevice and piece of wood in your home.

When hiring a termite exterminator to fumigate your home, there are a few things you need to be aware of in order to prepare for a home tent fumigation.

  • Time out of the house: Typically, the entire process will take about three days, so preparing a place for you and your family to stay is important
  • Pets and plants: Don’t leave anything living in the home during tent fumigation. Make arrangements for all pets, including the goldfish. It is possible that some plants will survive the fumigation. But if at all possible, move your plants outside during this process
  • Law requires all food and medications be put in special bags or removed from the premises

Returning after fumigation

Before you will be allowed to return home after a tent fumigation and aeration, the air in your home will be tested for gas levels to be sure it is safe to return. Surprisingly, the gas used in fumigation can not stick to surfaces so once the gas clears out, there should be no residue left in your home.

For drywood termite treatment in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, give Bug Baron Exterminator a call today.

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Termite Control

Drywood Termite Problems in Rancho Cucamonga

Learning your home has termites can be quite unsettling. Termites can easily cause thousands of dollars in repair costs, especially if the termite infestation went a long time before it was discovered. In Rancho Cucamonga, drywood termites can be quite difficult to detect because they burrow deep into wooden structures, and they are almost never seen unless they send out swarmer termites in the summer and fall seasons. There are a few signs to look for but having a regular termite inspection is the best way to protect your home from drywood termites.

Drywood termite facts

Knowing a few things about drywood termites can help you better protect yourself against this incredibly damaging insect.

A few facts about drywood termites are:

  • They are a creamy white color
  • They infest wood that stays dry like the structure of an attic
  • The western drywood termite found in Southern California is the most common drywood species
  • They have relatively small colonies of around 1,000 insects
  • They will kick their excrement out of tiny holes and the sawdust-like droppings will make a pile on the floor.
  • Drywood termites can infest wooden furniture. If the furniture is brought into your home, the termites can move into your house’s structure.

Treatment

If you suspect that you may have termites of any kind, call a termite exterminator immediately. You do not want the infestation to cause more destruction to your home. A professional termite control technician will thoroughly inspect your attic, floor, wooden furniture, and any woodwork for signs of termites. If a small infestation is identified, the technician will administer a localized treatment by inserting insecticide into the colony.

Drywood termite colonies can spread out into several different spaces in the wooden structure of your home. A drywood termite exterminator may suggest fumigating your home if the infestation is widespread.

While it is a big inconvenience to have to be out of your home for two to three days so your home can be fumigated, it is comforting to know that your home is completely termite free. Once the fumigant clears from the air and a professional tests the air quality in your home, you can return.

To prevent termites from coming back into your home, you can have the wood in your attic and crawl spaces treated for termites to prevent them from infesting your home once again.

While drywood termites are difficult to detect, scheduling a yearly termite inspection with a pest control service you trust can prevent termites from causing damage to your home. If you are in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, give Bug Baron Exterminator a call today. We will get rid of every last termite so you can rest assured that your home is termite free.

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Termite Control

Best Termite Control Company in Upland

Termites are known to silently cause immense damage to homes and businesses by literally eating the wooden frame of the building. Over time, the boards weaken and the structure can be compromised from the destruction caused by an infestation of termites.

In Upland, CA, Drywood and Subterranean termites can make their way into your home, causing you to pay thousands of dollars in repairs. To protect your largest investment, your home, from becoming termite food, you want the best termite control company on your team.

Inspection

Generally, a yearly inspection is recommended for most homeowners to protect their homes against termite damage. But depending on where you live and the different terrain or weather conditions, it may be recommended that you have a quarterly inspection or an inspection every six months.

A thorough termite inspector will look in areas around your home that provide the perfect environment for termites. For Subterranean termites, a water source is needed for them to thrive. Your technician will search under sinks, in humid basements, and in bathroom walls.

Drywood termites do not require a water source quite like their Subterranean relatives. A termite exterminator will look under wooden roof shingles, or even in the siding, or on the eaves of your home.

Treatment

After the inspection is complete, your termite inspector will inform you of any termites or signs of termites that have been found. Depending on the type of termite that has infested your home, your trusted Upland pest technician will develop the proper treatment plan for your situation. Hopefully, the inspection caught the infestation early so your repair costs will be minimal. But by not having a routine termite inspection, you could be leaving yourself vulnerable to astronomical repair expenses if the termites have been living in your home for years.

Infestation growth

A termite colony can begin with one pregnant female termite. The queen termite can produce thousands of eggs in a single day. Many Subterranean termite nests can have up to two million members before they begin sending out termites to start new colonies.

With mild weather in Upland, CA, termite queens may produce eggs year around, causing the infestation to steadily grow. A structure of a house can be devastated after about five or six years of having a termite infestation.

Call in an expert

Do not let your Upland home become termite food. Having the best termite control company on your side means not only will you stop termites from eating your home, you can stop them from coming inside in the first place. For Upland residents who want the best, call Bug Baron Exterminator. Our experienced and professional technicians will carefully inspect and treat your home so you can rest assured that your home is safe and sound.

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Termite Control

How Do I Know If I Have a Drywood Termite Problem?

Termites are bad news no matter which type of termites has infested your home. Even though Subterranean termites cause a majority of the damage in the U.S., Drywood termites can be just as devastating if they are in your home. Some warning signs of a Drywood termite infestation may be less well known to homeowners, which could give these termites more time to munch on your home before you discover the damage they have caused. If you notice any signs of termites in your home, it is important that you call a professional termite exterminator as soon as possible. Eradicating termites can be difficult and a professional will know how and where to best treat them so that the problem is eliminated before more damage is done.

Signs of Drywood termites

Because Drywood termites live inside the wooden walls and eat the wood, you will not see them walking around your home. But knowing what to look for will help you keep a sharp eye out for signs of Drywood termites.

  • Frass: Termite droppings that have six sides and resemble sawdust can be found under light fixtures, next to walls, or in the basement.
  • Shed wings: Drywood termites do not tunnel their way into your home. They send out their swarmer termites to fly up to your house and find a way inside.
  • Eating habits: Unlike other termites who eat the cellulose, or soft part of the wood, Drywood termites can eat across the grain, producing large, smooth feeding galleries inside the walls.
  • Paper thin woodwork: Because Drywood termites eat all parts of the wood, they will leave a paper thin outside layer in your trim, furniture, or floor that can appear warped when it is actually just hollow.

Treatment

If you have noticed any signs of Drywood termites or are due for a termite inspection, give a highly trusted pest control company a call as soon as you can. The termite exterminator will thoroughly inspect your attic, floor, woodwork, and wooden furniture for signs of termites. If a small infestation is identified, the technician will administer a localized treatment by inserting termicide into the colony.

If the termite infestation is more widespread, the experienced technician may recommend fumigating your home. Unfortunately, this means staying out of the home for about three nights so your home can be tented and the fumigant can be pumped into every part of your house. Once the fumigation clears from the air and a professional tests the air quality in your home, you can return.

To prevent termites from coming back into your home, you can have the wood in your attic and crawl spaces treated for termites to prevent them from infesting your home in the future.

If you discover signs of Drywood termites, give Bug Baron Exterminator a call today. We will get rid of every last termite so you can relax knowing your home won’t end up as insect food.

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Termite Control

Termite Prevention Tips for Upland, CA Homeowners

The thought of a termite infestation can cause serious stress for Upland homeowners. The damage an undiscovered termite colony can do to your home is devastating. Termite colonies average in size from about 5,000 to 2 million termites depending on the species. Every last one of those termites is hungry, and if they are in your home, your house is on the menu. Though termites stay out of sight and quietly eat the cellulose out of the wood in your house, there are ways for you to prevent this hidden threat from literally eating you out of house and home.

Protect your home from the outside

Unless you have an easy entry point for termites to fly in, termites can not simply waltz into your home. They have to find a way in and many times they try to come in through the foundation. Keeping a close eye on your foundation whether slab or on piers, is an excellent way to keep your Upland home safe.

Termites will create mud tunnels to conceal themselves as they get close to your foundation and look for small cracks or holes to enter your home.

Be sure that mulch in your flower beds or even the soil do not come up above your foundation line. In general, it is a good idea to not let anything directly touch your foundation. Termites can infest mulch and if the mulch is up against your foundation, termites have food and time to find the best place for entry into your house.

Prevent water from attracting termites inside your home

 If termites have chosen your home to be their home, they have found an efficient amount of food in the wood in your walls and a water source to sustain their colony if they are Subterranean termites.

 If you have small water leaks in your home, fixing these issues immediately will keep your home from looking like the perfect place for termites to live.

Roof damage during winter months can cause just enough water to come in to quench the thirst of a colony of termites. Be sure to check for any outside damage that may let water into the home.

Termite inspections

To make sure termites are not eating your home from the inside out, set up a regular termite inspection. You can do your best to keep your foundation clear of debris and your home water tight, but having trained eyes to look for evidence of termites and knowing what to do when they find them is the best way to protect your home.

A termite inspector is the best line of defense against termites. Having a trained, experienced Upland technician inspecting your property at least once a year will keep termites out of your home or will stop their infestation early, to prevent your home from being destroyed by termites.

In Upland, CA, give Bug Baron Exterminator a call today.

Categories
Termite Control

Top 3 Signs You Have a Termite Problem

Termites can really cause some serious damage to a structure. While they are constantly eating the wooden beams and frame of a home, the queen termite cranks out thousands of eggs a day. Termites are relatively quiet and stay hidden deep within your walls, floor, or ceiling so you may not know they are there for months or even years. To minimize the damage, you want to catch any termite problem early. To be able to identify an infestation, you have to know what the top 3 signs are that tell you that you have a termite problem.

1. Look for piles of wood pellets on the floor

As termites munch away at your home, they produce large piles of excrement that resemble sawdust. These piles are called frass and you may look for them underneath windows, below wall hangings, or directly beneath light fixtures. As the termite tunnels become full of chewed up and biologically processed cellulose, the termites make little holes in your walls and ceiling to push the frass out of their home and into your’s.

2. Evidence outside

Termites have to get inside your home first before they can start wreaking havoc. They will often leave evidence of their entry outside your home. Look for mud tunnels on the foundation. Termites do not come out into the open air so they create mud tunnels that allow them to get close to your home so they can find a way inside.

You may also find shed wings from swarmer termites outside of your windows. When a swarmer termite lands, they will shed the wings as they start hunting for a way to get inside your home to begin a new colony.

3. Swarmers pouring out of the walls

In the spring, a termite colony will produce swarmer termites who will fly off in search of more homes to destroy with new termite infestations. The swarmers will spill out of a hole in the wall into the interior of your house. If you are home during the swarm, you will definitely be aware of the termites covering your floor and walls. Be sure to locate exactly where the termites are coming from so you can tell your trusted exterminator when they arrive. Likely, the swarm will be over by the time the exterminator is able to come to your home.

Call a professional termite exterminator

If you see any of these three signs of a termite infestation, call your termite exterminator as soon as possible. You do not want a termite colony living in your home a minute longer than they have to. If you are in Upland, CA, give our trusted team at Bug Baron Exterminator a call today.