Arizona homeowners are no strangers to termite infestations. With our warm climate and seasonal moisture from the monsoon season, conditions are perfect for subterranean termites to thrive. If left untreated, they can cause serious structural damage to homes and businesses.
In this guide, we’ll explore subterranean termite infestations in Arizona, the signs of infestation, effective control methods, and treatment options to keep your property protected.
Key Takeaways
- Subterranean termites in Arizona live underground and cause more damage to homes than any other termite.
- Signs of termites include mud tubes, swarmers, hollow wood, termite droppings, and paint that looks warped or bubbled.
- The best termite treatments are bait stations and wood treatments from professional pest control companies.
- Homeowners can help prevent termites by fixing leaks, keeping wood away from their homes, and sealing cracks.
What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite in Arizona, causing more damage to homes than any other species.
Unlike drywood termites or dampwood termites, which live inside the wood they infest, these social insects build their colonies underground. They travel through mud tubes to reach their food sources, which often include wooden structures in and around homes.
These termite species have a structured colony with workers, soldiers, and alates, also known as swarmers. They range in size from ⅛ to ⅜ of an inch long and can be creamy white to dark brown. Their bodies are soft, with straight antennae and strong mandibles, allowing them to chew through wood with ease.
Signs of a Subterranean Termite Infestation
Since subterranean termites live underground, they’re difficult to detect until significant structural damage has occurred.
Look for these signs of termites around your home:
- Mud Tubes: Protective tunnels along foundations and walls.
- Swarmers: Winged reproductives that appear in spring and summer to start new colonies.
- Hollow Wood: Infested wood may sound hollow or crumble when pressed.
- Fecal Pellets: These Arizona termites use droppings to build tunnels.
- Bubbling Paint: Moisture can cause paint to bubble and wood to warp.
How to Treat Subterranean Termites in Arizona
Many homeowners wonder if they can handle a termite problem on their own. While some DIY methods claim to eliminate these pests, they rarely address the entire infestation.
Without these professional treatments, colonies will continue to grow, leading to termite damage over time:
Bait Stations
Baiting systems, like the Trelona® ATBS Advance® Termite Baiting System, are installed around a home’s foundation. Termites consume the bait and carry it back to their termite colonies, effectively eliminating the entire population.
Wood Treatments
For homes with wooden structures at risk, professional pest control services can apply preventative wood treatments to deter termites from feeding, especially if they’ve infested attic beams or structural timbers.
How to Prevent Subterranean Termites in Arizona
While no home is 100% termite-proof, these preventative strategies can significantly reduce your risk:
Reduce Moisture Around Your Home
One of the best ways to prevent termites is by reducing excess moisture around your home. Fixing leaky pipes and eliminating standing water helps lower the moisture content that attracts subterranean termites.
Eliminate Food Sources
Keeping termites away starts with eliminating their food sources.
Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home, remove dead tree stumps and other cellulose materials from your yard, and use termite-resistant wood when building decks, fences, and other wooden structures.
Seal Entry Points
Seal any cracks in the foundation and gaps around utility poles and pipes to block termite entry. Make sure wooden structures don’t touch ground-level soil, as this gives termites easy access to your home.
Protect Your Home from Termites in Arizona
At Green Home Pest Control, we know how destructive subterranean termites can be for homeowners in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and the surrounding areas.
That’s why we offer proactive termite control solutions to keep your property safe from costly termite infestations. If you’ve noticed signs of infestation or suspect termite activity, don’t wait until the damage is severe.
Give us a call today to schedule a professional termite inspection, and we’ll develop a customized termite treatment plan that works for your home.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
