What are Termites?

Termites in Arizona are a problem for many homeowners. Termites are small, winged insects that feed on wood. They live in underground colonies and can travel long distances searching for food. In Arizona, termites are most active during the spring and summer months.

The Appearances of Termites.

Termites in Arizona generally have two body types: workers and soldiers. Workers are about ½ an inch long, and soldiers are about ¾ of an inch long. Both have creamy white bodies with brownish heads. In addition, termites have six legs, two pairs of wings, and mandibles (jaws) for chewing.

The most common type of termite in Arizona is the subterranean desert termite. This species gets its name because it lives mostly underground in extensive tunnel systems, coming up only to feed on wood or mate. Desert subterranean termites are especially fond of eating the dead roots of mesquite trees.

The Signs That You Might Have Termites.

You may not realize you have termites until you see the damage they’ve done. Termites in Arizona cause millions of dollars in damage each year. Don’t be a statistic—learn to recognize the signs of these destructive pests.

The first step is to know what kind of termite you have. Arizona has two common types of termites: drywood and subterranean. Drywood termites live in. You guessed it, dry wood. They don’t need contact with the ground to survive, so they can infest any part of your home or business. Subterranean termites live in the soil and need moisture to survive. So they build mud tubes to travel from the ground to their food source—your wood!

Damage from Termites

Termites in Arizona can cause significant damage to homes and other structures. They are especially attracted to wood, which they use for food. However, termites can also damage other materials, including paper and insulation.

In addition to the physical damage they can cause, termites can also be a financial burden. Termite treatment can be expensive, and homeowners may also have to pay for repairs to damaged structures. Some insurance companies consider termite damage covered under standard homeowners’ insurance policies, but others do not.

Homeowners who suspect they have termites should contact a pest control professional as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment are the best way to prevent significant damage from these pests.

What can you do to Prevent Termites?

There are several things homeowners can do to help prevent termites from damaging their property. One of the most important is ensuring there are no wood-to-soil contact. termites are attracted to wood and will tunnel through the soil to get to it. Homeowners should also avoid storing firewood, lumber, or other wood products too close to the house.

Another way to help prevent termites is to keep the foundation and exterior of the home in good repair. Cracks or openings in the foundation or exterior walls can provide termite entry points. Repairing these as soon as possible can help keep them out. Regular inspections of the foundation, exterior walls, and other areas where wood comes into contact with soil can also help identify problems early. Early detection is essential to fix the affected areas before severe damage occurs.

Inspection: What we look for

During an inspection, the technician will look for signs of termite activity, such as:

  1. Mud tubes on the exterior of your home
  2. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
  3. Piles of wings near doors or windows (termites shed their wings when they mate)

If you have termites, don’t wait to call an exterminator. The longer you wait, the more damage they’ll do to your property. 

Treatment: How we solve the problem

Termite treatment in Arizona is a process that begins with identifying the problem. Once the problem is identified, a plan is implemented to solve it. This plan may include removing the termites from your home, repairing any damage they have caused, and preventing them from returning.

Termites can cause severe damage to your home if left untreated. If you think you may have termites, it is crucial to contact a pest control professional right away. They will be able to identify the problem and devise a plan to solve it.

There are several different ways to treat termites in Arizona. The most common method is a liquid barrier. The second is baiting, which involves placing bait stations around your property and monitoring them for activity.

You will typically have to call a pest control professional to do this. This solution is effective. The other primary method of treating termites is fumigation for Drywood Termites.

This method is done by tenting and gassing the home.

Hot Spots: Checking for Activity

One of the most important things you can do to prevent termites is regularly to check your home for activity. This process involves looking for telltale signs of termites, such as wings, swarms, and mud tubes.

If you see any of these signs, you must immediately call a pest control professional. Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home if left unchecked, so it’s best to nip the problem in the bud as soon as possible.

Think you have termites? Contact Horn Pest Management today!

Termites in Arizona are a severe problem. They cause millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses every year. They are especially troublesome in the summer months when they are most active. If you suspect you have termites, it is vital to call Horn Pest Management immediately.