Termite Identification & Prevention
What Are Termites?
Termites are one of the few organisms able to digest cellulose found in wood and other plant materials and then turn it into a usable food source. The most common termite species that find their way into our Arizona homes and businesses are subterranean termites. These termites have a high moisture dependence and can become a problem on any property that provides them with moisture and wooden structures to feed on. Subterranean termites prefer decaying or water-damaged wood.
Subterranean termites nest underground and live together in large colonies. These insects are very social and divide their colony into different groups, each group tasked with a specific job. Reproductive termites are responsible for breeding and producing new members of the colony. Soldier termites defend the colony from threats. Worker termites make up the largest group of the colony and are responsible for leaving the nest to gather food; workers are the termites that invade our homes and cause the damage these tiny terrors are famous for.
Are Termites Dangerous?
As a group, termites invade millions of properties and are responsible for causing more than five billion dollars in damage across the U.S. every year. When termites invade a building, they can cause extensive and costly structural damage over time. A subterranean termite infestation is difficult to identify because these insects travel underground and enter our homes without us noticing. It can take homeowners months or even years to discover they have a problem with termites, and by then, they have already caused extensive damage.
Identifying the Causes of a Termite Problem
Excess moisture in or around your home will attract termites, especially in Arizona, where our weather is hot and dry. As termites move through the soil searching for food sources, it is very common for them to find their way into our homes and other structures through cracks in the foundation. Another way that termites become a problem inside homes is after they move in using wooden structures on our home that make direct contact with the ground, such as the following:
- Decks posts
- Porch steps
- Wooden trim
- Wooden door frames
Termites can travel more than 250 feet from their nest to a food source, so you don’t necessarily have to have a termite nest on your property; they could be traveling from a neighboring property and into your home.
Common Locations for Termite
Subterranean termites are highly reliant on moisture and therefore feed on wood that is located near sources of moisture or damaged by water. Termites move behind walls and under floors, invading structural wood around windows and doors, rooflines, sinks and tubs, and near hot water pipes.
Where you won’t see termites is wandering around your home—unlike other social pests like ants, termites do not need to travel around your house looking for food—all the food they need is behind your walls.
Effective Strategies for Termite Elimination
Termites are tricky to control and eliminate because they are so difficult to detect. The best way to protect your property from termites is to partner with a professional. At Overson Pest Control, we can help you to take back your property from wood-destroying termites with the help of our effective termite control treatments and over ten years of combined experience in the industry!
We care about our customers and understand how stressful it is to deal with termites and other pest problems. When you partner with us, we'll act fast and work with you to solve your property’s unique pest problems. With services backed by a 100% guarantee and unlimited free re-services, you can trust that we'll rid your property of termites and help prevent them from returning.
To learn more about working together and implementing our termite control services for your Phoenix-area residential or commercial property from Arizona termites, reach out to us today!
Tips for Future Termite Prevention
In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from termites using the following prevention tips:
- Remove dead wood from your property.
- Make sure any wood on your home isn’t making direct contact with the soil.
- Seal any cracks in your foundation.
- Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and air conditioners that provide the excess moisture that attracts termites.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean and ensure they are diverting rainwater from your home.
- If any wood in your house becomes damaged by water, immediately remove and replace it.
Helpful Termite Articles:
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