As a homeowner, you know that preventing termite infestations is essential to protecting your home and maintaining its value. There are nearly 4,000 different species of termites in the United States, but only about 10 percent of them cause termite damage to homes and commercial structures. Below is some important information about the types of termites that infest homes in the Phoenix Metro area.
In Arizona, there are only four types of termites that are destructive to homes: Arid-land Subterranean Termites, Desert Dampwood Termites, Desert Subterranean Termites and Western Drywood Termites. Of these, the Desert Subterranean Termite is by far the most common and most destructive type of termite. Subterranean termites live in underground colonies, each of which can contain millions of individual insects.
Signs of Termite Damage
Termites consume wood, wallpaper and fabrics in your home which contain cellulose, the main component making up the cell walls of plants. Termites cause nearly $5 billion worth of damage to residential and commercial structure every year. Some signs that you may have termites or termite damage in your home include:
- Hollow or crumbling wood
- Honeycombed appearance on timber or drywall
- Mazes on interior walls
- Mud tubes on exterior walls or on objects leading to your home
- Piles of termite feces
- Swarms of termites or piles of translucent wings discarded by swarmers
- Warping or cracking on painted wood surfaces
Remember that signs of termite damage may be hidden within the walls of your home, since this highly destructive species burrows into timber and eats it from the inside out.
Termite Treatment Solutions
There are several different methods of termite solutions that may be used in your home, and the type of treatment you need will depend on the type of termites you have. For Subterranean termites, a termite treatment specialist will place liquid bait at various infestation sites in and around your home. Termites that enter your home will then ingest the bait and carry it back to their colony to share with other termites, providing effective treatment for years to come.
Termites eat constantly, feasting 24/7 on the timber in your home. If you suspect you have a termite infestation, it is imperative that you get a professional termite inspection immediately to prevent any further damage. To learn more about the types of termites in Phoenix or to receive a free termite inspection from ACTION Termite & Pest Control, call or text 602-899-2222 today.
We are Arizona’s termite experts offering full service and complete termite pest control solutions and general pest control services.
