Termites are rampant throughout the Valley, and, as the old joke says, “There are two kinds of homes: those that have termites and those that will get termites.”
But a termite infestation can be controlled and managed with the proper termite treatment! Termite control should be determined by the type of termite which has infested the home.
Common Termites in Arizona
There are many species of termites in the U.S., and they do millions of dollars of property damage annually.
The termites in the greater Phoenix area, for example, are different from those found in the northeast. There are four species found in Arizona: subterranean, drywood, dampwood, and Formosan termites.
Subterranean Termites
As the name suggests, this termite species lives underground in the soil. They prefer to eat soft, spring wood fiber. This type of termite is easily identifiable because the wood it eats has a honeycomb appearance, with just the grain left behind. In contrast to other types of termites, subterranean termites may have thousands of workers in their colonies. They are found in every state in the country except for Alaska. They are most common in warmer climates such as Maricopa County.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites live in dry wood and do not need contact with soil to survive. Because their metabolism allows them to obtain moisture from the wood, drywood termites can tolerate dry settings for long periods. They eat the wood found in a home’s structural timbers but also go for framing, furniture, and hardwood flooring. Wood that drywood termites have eaten looks clean and smooth.
Dampwood Termites
Most of these termites live in the Southwestern region of the U.S., including Maricopa County. They infest buildings, wood piles, and even utility poles if the wood structure makes contact with the ground.
Formosan Termites
The Formosan is the most destructive type of subterranean termite in the country. They are slightly larger than subterranean termites and have a body that is more yellow and brown. They typically need soil to survive, but in the absence of a permanent water source, these termites make cartons out of chewed wood and soil to retain water for the colony.
Signs of Termite Infestation in a Home
While a wood-frame home is undoubtedly an attractive feast to a termite colony, it’s essential to know that homes made of any material, such as brick or concrete block, still contain wood that will attract termites. In Arizona, subterranean termites are a significant threat, and many area residents have suffered substantial damage to their homes due to a termite infestation.
Subterranean termites, known as one of the most destructive wood-feeding insects in the state, dwell underground and can be challenging to spot. Once the termites find a wood-based part of a home that touches the soil, they begin to eat and build tunnels throughout every wall within a home. Left unchecked, their eating and building habits can weaken the home’s entire structure and create a dangerous environment for those who live there.
It can be nearly impossible to recognize the signs of termites until extensive damage has already been done, which can mean significant repair expenses. While a professional termite inspection is always the best way to protect a home, a few signs may indicate the presence of termites.
Swarms of flying termites:
Subterranean termites often have several thousand winged termites among their number that tend to swarm during daylight hours. Sometimes, a person may see these insects swarming around their property or clustered together near a light source such as windows or light fixtures. Clusters of shed wings are also a sign that termites have invaded.
Presence of mud tubes:
A type of insect subway system, termites may construct mud tubes or tunnels along the walls and other parts of a home. These tubes allow them to safely move from their underground nesting area to their food source within the home without exposing themselves to danger. Therefore, the presence of these tunnels is a definite sign of termite activity.
Visible wood damage:
These termites can entirely excavate walls, and they often leave only a thin layer of wood behind. If cracks or holes develop in the walls or wood surfaces easily when touched, then termites are present and have already undermined the house’s stability.
If termites have infested a home, the professionals at Russell Pest Control are ready to help evict these unwanted insects.
Termite FAQs
What do Termites look like?
Most commonly, a homeowner will see termites in the spring when they swarm. The swarm is a batch of termites looking to start a new colony, so when they arrive at their desired destination, they land, and their wings fall off. Many people confuse termites in the flying stage with flying ants, since they look similar. Cast-off wings may be the first sign of termites. Once they have established themselves, the homeowner is most likely to see evidence of their destruction, rather than the termites.
Do you have Termites?
A termite problem is often discovered by the homeowner when they find mud tubes, mud crust, or small speckles of termite droppings, called “frass.” If the floor sags or the walls appear to have water damage, these can also be a sign of termite activity.
What’s included in Termite Inspections?
The interior and exterior of the home are carefully inspected by a termite professional to see if there is any sign of termite activity. Such an inspection, even when termites aren’t found, can give a homeowner the peace of mind that it brings.
What are the Termite treatment options?
Termite control can be established in one of several ways. Termidor is a chemical treatment that will successfully control termites. Termimesh is a physical barrier that prevents termites from establishing their colonies. Termite bait can also be used in certain situations.