Why worry about Arizona termites? Well, for one, they can cause a lot of damage to your home in a very basic and structural way. For another, that damage can be very expensive to fix. Termites happen to be a pervasive problem in the state, particularly in Tucson, Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Our termite exterminators in Mesa and surrounding areas get calls all the time for termite infestation. The best piece of advice we can give to preventing termite damage is early detection. When you understand what the most common termite types in Arizona are, you can know what to be on the lookout for.
Subterranean Termites
These kinds of termites, the most common in the state, can build colonies of up to 300,000, which due to their size will often branch off into separate colonies. These termites don’t need moisture to survive, which means they love dry wood. Because there are so many of them, subterranean termites strike fast and strike big, causing untold damage across wide areas up to an acre.
Their natural habitat is the desert, but these termites also don’t mind rivers, lakes and other bodies of water. Subterranean termites nest in soil and move on to wood sources that are close to the ground, foraging in tubes comprised of soil, wood chips and waste.
They tend to swarm during monsoon season, from July to September.
Drywood Termites
These termites infest wood that does not have direct contact with the ground. They are easier to spot because they leave behind hardened fecal matter, which gathers in piles around their nests. They create even larger colonies than subterranean termites, typically making their nests around windows and doors.
The most destructive type of termite, drywood termites live in dry, sound wood typically found in items like furniture or even decks and patios. They measure a half an inch with brown heads and black bodies.
Dampwood Termites
These termites eat moist wood, attacking the underground roots of trees and bushes. They will also seek out wood sources well below the surface of the ground, such as fence posts.
Signs of Termites
If you see mud tubes, discarded wings, or soft or hollow wood, you may have a termite infestation on your hands. You may notice swarms in or near your home, particularly after a good rain.
The best way to prevent them is to remove all wood-to-soil contact, sealing cracks or holes in your foundation. Catching them early is your best bet, as these insects are durable and fast. It’s important to know the signs of termite infestation so you can promptly call your Phoenix pest control technician at the first sign.
Contact Our Termite Specialist
Do you think you have termites living in your AZ home? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Glendale exterminators for treatment and prevention tips. Get a free quote -- just contact us at 602-338-9223. Schedule Appointment