Termites

What do termites look like?

Termites are harmful insects, and once they set their sights on our properties, are frustrating and challenging to deal with pests. Termites consume wood and are one of the few organisms able to do so. When living close to our homes and businesses, termites are destructive unwanted pests and can eat away at our structures for months or even years before anyone knows they're there. Out in nature, termites are eco-important, eliminating decaying wood and other organic matter.

termites in wood

In the Phoenix area, we experience problems with both subterranean termites and drywood termites, with subterranean termites being a much more widespread issue:

Subterranean termites nest within damp soil. They have high moisture needs and prefer to feed on water-damaged or decaying wood.
Drywood termites prefer to nest in dry pieces of wood. Drywood termites use wooden structures as a place to both forage for food and to nest.

Are termites dangerous?

Termites are social and live and work together. Despite their small size, when termites work together, they can create significant and costly damage inside any home or business they decide to invade. Over five billion dollars in damages are caused by termites across the United States each year. The best way to protect your biggest investment, your home, from termites is to be proactive and partner with a professional.

At Green Home Pest Control, we have the services needed to guard your home and bank account against these hungry pests.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture. If there is excess moisture in or around your home and appropriate food sources available, termites will take advantage. Subterranean termites travel through the soil or mud tubes they create to and from food sources and their nest. Moving silently into structures through spaces in the foundation or things like porch steps, decks posts, and wood trim, subterranean termites, move and work unnoticed.

Drywood termites work a little differently because they get the moisture they need to survive from the wood they live in and feed on, not from the damp soil. These termites move into structures in various ways, including foundations, vents, gaps around windows and doors, damaged trim, and damage roof shingles and soffits.

Termites can become a problem on any Arizona property, meaning the best defense against this pest is to be proactive and put into place the services necessary to stop termites from moving into your home or business.

Where will I find termites?

Areas of a home or yard that subterranean termites invade include:

Structural wood around leaky windows or doors
Structural wood behind walls where there is a leaky air conditioner or leaking pipes
Wall voids near sinks and tubs
Damp, poorly ventilated crawlspaces
Fallen trees, tree stumps, old wooden fences or steps

Areas of a home or yard that drywood termites invade include:

Dry pieces of structural lumber
Sound wooden door or window frames
Pieces of wooden furniture, particularly antique furniture
Bare wood found on homes, decks, or porches

How do I get rid of termites?

Termites are not a pest that you should take lightly. Protect your property from termites or eliminate current issues with them by partnering with Green Home Pest Control. We will establish a barrier around your foundation that will eliminate the termites in your home and at the nest through our guaranteed services. We are committed to providing fast action and the best termite control services possible.

Reach out to Green Home Pest Control today to learn more about protecting your commercial or residential property from wood-destroying termites.

How can I prevent termites in the future?

Use the following prevention tips to avoid problems with termites:

Remove rotting wood and decaying vegetation from your property.
Get rid of dead trees, old wooden fences, and play structures from your yard.
Instead of using mulch in garden beds, use crushed rock or another non-organic material.
Cut vegetation back from the outside of your home.
Make sure there is good drainage on your property to prevent moisture issues.
Seal spaces in your home's foundation and exterior walls to keep tiny termites from finding a way inside.
Eliminate bare wood on or near your home.
Inspect pieces of wood, wooden structures, or wood furniture for termites before bringing them onto your property or into your house.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control offerings.