Termite destruction is one of the most common problems regarding pest infestations in homes throughout Arizona, but here are a few things you may or may not know about these pesky critters:
1. Termites cause more damage to homes and property throughout the United States than fires, earthquakes, or tornadoes combined. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, subterranean termites cause damage in the range of $3 to $4 billion each year.
2. There are more than 18 species of termites in existence, but two that are particularly destructive are the subterranean and drywood termites. Arizona sits on one of the most active subterranean termite belts in the country, making homeowners particularly susceptible to termite damage. Studies have revealed that there are approximately three to five termite colonies per acre of land in Arizona, with an astounding average of more than 100,000 termites per colony.
3. Termites travel in tight packs known as swarms, which occur when they leave the nest by the thousands to search for mates or a new home. Visible signs of a recent swarm include fallen wings or droppings, or evidence of mud tubes around the wooden frame of the house. You can also stay on the lookout for termite infestations by listening for a dull or hollow tapping sound in the walls.
4. Subterranean termites live in colonies beneath soil, and use mud tubes to venture above ground into wooden structures. Once they have invaded a home in search of food, they can tear through wood at an astonishing rate.
5. Drywood termite colonies are typically smaller than subterranean ones, and these termites often enter in through loose joint structures in wood. Because drywood termites don’t require as much moisture as their subterranean counterparts, they can survive in wooden buildings for a long period of time and never need to return to the ground — making them much more problematic to a home than subterranean termites.
If you think you have a Termite problem or issue and are in Arizona call our Termite Experts today for help and Get a Quote Now!
