How Dangerous Is It To Have Termites On My Phoenix Property?

When people think about dangerous pest infestations, the majority tends to imagine disease-ridden or venomous creatures that pose a significant threat to the health of a home's inhabitants. Not many people imagine a concealed colony of minuscule insects slowly chewing away at the foundation and framework of their home, but a termite infestation can be just as dangerous and even more costly. The worst part is that termites are nearly impossible to discover early on, so if you have a sneaking suspicion that your Phoenix property may have an infestation, it's probably a lot worse than you think.

What Kind Of Termites Are Found In Phoenix?

While subterranean termites are the most commonly found species in the United States, Phoenix is also home to drywood termites. Both species of termite can cause massive damage to wooden structures and furniture, but they each have their own unique characteristics:

• Subterranean Termites – workers are usually under ¼ of an inch long and cream-colored, soldiers are slightly bigger with cream-colored bodies and large brown heads, and swarmers are dark brown to black with two identical pairs of wings.

• Drywood termites – workers are roughly ¼ of an inch long and cream-colored, soldiers are slightly bigger with yellowish-colored bodies and brown heads, and swarmers are reddish-brown with two pairs of identical-sized wings. The upper pair of wings are bordered with red veins.

One of the most significant differences between these two termite species is their ideal habitat. Subterranean termites require lots of moisture to survive, which is why they reside in damp soil and prefer to eat water-damaged wood. These termite galleries often contain a fair amount of dirt and mud because of their ground-dwelling tendencies. Drywood termites don't need nearly as much moisture, so they live within the dried-out wood they consume. Compared to their moisture-inclined brethren, these termites create almost immaculate galleries.

Is A Termite Infestation Bad For My Health?

Termites aren't known to carry or transmit any diseases, so in that aspect, termites are harmless. Their activity can kick up a lot of dust, though, and a large enough infestation can cause asthma complications and trigger allergies, but in the long run, the biggest threat to your health would be a collapsed room from extensive damage. That could take years to happen, but it's not impossible with how difficult they are to discover. If you don't know the signs of a termite infestation, your Phoenix home could already be well on its way toward destruction without you even knowing:

• Shed wings around door and window frames

• Mud tubes climbing up exterior walls

• Tiny pinholes in walls, wooden beams, and furniture

• Small piles of sawdust-like material, or frass

• Erratic patterns on wooden furniture and decoration

• Hollow-sounding wood when tapped

• A soft clicking noise in the walls

• Crumbly, powdery wood

• Sagging, discolored walls

How Can I Be Sure I Have A Termite Infestation In My Phoenix Home?

Termites aren't called the silent destroyers for no reason; once they make contact with wood, it's nearly impossible to spot them outside of their tunnels and galleries. They're also commonly mistaken for ants, and though they do possess an uncanny resemblance, it's a very costly mistake to make. The only way you can be entirely sure is if you get professional pest control assistance, and there's no better pest control company In Phoenix than Green Home Pest Control.

Your home should be a refuge, not a crumbling shack, and our highly-trained pest professionals at Green Home Pest Control are dedicated to making your home feel safe again. We use safe, effective, eco-friendly pest control products in our treatments, so we can make sure your home is pest-free without bringing dangerous chemicals around your family or the environment. We also offer a termite-free guarantee – if you discover termites returning during the warranty period, we come right back out and treat them again at no additional cost. So please get in contact with us today to get started!