Termite Control in Phoenix, Arizona
Termites in Arizona
The word ‘Termite’ causes panic in the hearts and minds of home and business owners throughout the Metropolitan Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert areas—and for good reason. There are no other species of pest more synonymous with destruction and financial ruin than termites. They derive sustenance from wood and cellulose-based products and byproducts, with a preference for dead wood and organic byproducts specifically.
Common Types of Termites Found in AZ
Desert Subterranean Termites
Typically found in the southern region of Arizona, Desert Subterranean Termites live in desert plants like cacti and timber (springwood). Their damage resembles that of a honeycomb.
They don’t require moisture as most other termites do and love to feed on dry wood.
Arid-land Subterranean Termites
Arid Subterranean Termites are the most common termites in the state and can be found in deserts, canyons, rivers, dunes, and even above 4,000 ft. altitudes.
They love wood and cellulose material such as desert trees and cactus ribs and plenty of home materials, including insulation, paper, stucco, etc.
Western Drywood Termite
You guessed it; they love dry wood. The Western Drywood Termite is known for dense infestations, exhibiting colonies as large as 2,000 termites strong.
Termite Damage
Often, termite damage looks very similar to water damage or wood rot. As termites eat and hollow out your home’s wooden support, you’ll begin to see aspects of your home’s infrastructure bending, sagging, darkening, and even crumbling as it can no longer support the weight it was meant to hold in the first place.
DIY Termite Treatment
Liquid Termiticides
Liquid termiticides are termite extermination treatments applied around the perimeter of your property to prevent them from entering your home. They also prevent invading termites from returning to outside soil for the moisture they need for survival.
Termite Baits
You can avoid putting chemical pesticides in your soil by utilizing termite extermination bait technologies. They are placed in the ground and attract termites to feed on the bait, killing them off.
Termite Inspections
When you schedule a termite inspection with your local integrated pest management team, one way you can prepare is to ensure easy access to potential termite damage sites, including:
- Wooden structures
- Wood fences
- Cracks in expansion joints and brick constructs
- Deadwood
- Firewood
- Wood mulch
Both the interior and exterior of your home will be inspected for signs of infestation, including:
- Mud tubes
- Wood damage
- Hollow wood
- Signs of tunneling
- Frass
- Buckling paint
- Live termites
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are termites in Arizona?
Studies reveal that there are at least three to five termite colonies per acre of land, with more than 100,000 termites per colony.
What are the warning signs of a termite infestation?
- Peeling paint or blistered paneling
- Drooping or damaged/discolored drywall
- Wood that is hollow when knocked on
- Small needle-like holes in wood or drywall
- Mud tubes running along walls or foundations (typical of subterranean termites)
- Crumbling wood or drywall
- Piles of termite wings that have been discarded (typical of swarmer termites)
What do termite mud tubes look like?
Termites build mud tubes that can stretch like veins along the walls, ceilings, or foundation of your house, with diameters ranging from ¼ to 1 inch. The color and thickness of the tubes vary depending on the type and intensity of the infestation, but their presence always warrants attention.
What do termite droppings look like?
- 1mm pellets – often look like piles of salt or pepper.
- Black, brown, and grey in color, depending on the wood eaten by termites.
- Pellets will be pushed out of ‘exit holes’ in the nest to create pile-ups.
- Termite frass has six sides; sawdust or shavings are granular. This is an important distinction to make if you are wondering between the two.
How do you prevent termites in your home?
- Reduce open food and water sources in or around your home.
- Seal gaps under your doors and around your windows.
- Stack firewood or lumber away from your home.
- Clear mulch and other organic compounds away from the foundation.
- Properly seal cracks in your foundation or walls.
Greater Phoenix Area Pest Control Services
Pest Control and Removal Services
Our team works to protect Arizonan homes and businesses from daily nuisances to the most destructive pests, including:
Related Articles
How to Identify Termite Droppings
Learning how to identify termite droppings and other signs of a potential termite problem will only take a few minutes and could save you thousands of dollars, as well as…
Termite Infestation 101: Recognizing Mud Tubes and More
While it’s no fun to deal with pest issues, the easiest way to avoid them long term is to learn the signs of these subterranean critters, including termite mud tubes…
Read More Termite Infestation 101: Recognizing Mud Tubes and More
What Do Termites Look Like?
Many people don’t know what termites look like – but identification is critical to getting a proper diagnosis for termite control and prevention. We’ll detail how to identify these bugs…
Instant Pest Removal Now!
Receive an instant pest removal and pest control quote now!
