Termites In Phoenix Could Be Silently Destroying Your Home

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Termites! Just the word can strike fear into a homeowner's heart. These insects are known for their ability to destroy homes, and Phoenix has plenty of them. Both subterranean and drywood termites are found in our area.

To protect your home from the devastation that termites can cause, it's important to partner with Phoenix pest control experts. Professionals can help keep these pests at bay by routinely inspecting your property for signs of termites and taking steps to prevent them from setting up shop in or around your home.

Don't wait until termites have caused significant damage to your Phoenix home. Contact a professional today and rest easy knowing your home is safe and secure.

What Types Of Termites Invade Phoenix Homes?

In Arizona, we have two main types of termites: drywood termites and subterranean termites. Each of these termite species is common in Phoenix and can inflict damage on your home.

Drywood termites prefer to infest dry wood, hence the name. They do not rely on contact with soil, so they are free to infest any dry, hard wood in your home. This can include structural wood as well as wooden furniture, banisters, and even picture frames. In fact, drywood termites can be introduced into your home through infested secondhand furniture and other wooden items. Drywood termites develop relatively small colonies – up to 2,5000 members – and do not have a worker caste, as immature termites perform all of the work for the colony.

Unlike drywood termites, subterranean termites live in underground colonies and need contact with the soil in order to stay moist. They build mud tubes on structures to keep them from drying out as they travel. This is one of the clearest indications of a subterranean termite infestation. Subterranean termites prefer to infest damp, softened wood. Their colonies grow to be much larger than those of drywood termites; a mature colony can number anywhere from 60,000 to two million worker termites. These colonies are organized into three distinct groups, or castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives.

Both drywood termites and subterranean termites have long, narrow bodies and are cream-colored or brown. Subterranean termites are usually ¼ to ? inch long, although swarmers can be a bit larger. Drywood termites range from ? inch to one inch long, depending on their age. Both species have winged colony members called swarmers.

Both drywood and subterranean termites can be incredibly destructive, especially over long periods. Next up, we'll explore why termites are known as "silent destroyers."

Why Do They Call Termites Silent Destroyers?

Termites are often called "silent destroyers" because of their ability to do extensive damage to a home without being detected. It is not uncommon for a termite infestation to go undetected for several years.

These pests are tiny but can cause unimaginable problems. Termites feast on wood, and if left unchecked, they can eat through the wooden elements of your home. Over time, this can result in structural damage.

Unfortunately, most homeowners insurance policies don't cover this type of damage. And with termite damage costing an average of $3,000 to repair – you can't afford to ignore these pests.

You need to be proactive to keep termites away. The best way to do this is to get professional termite control for your home. Don't wait until you have a noticeable problem to call a professional. Protect your property today by calling a termite control company in Phoenix.

Five Termite Warning Signs Every Homeowner Ought To Know

In order to mitigate the impact of these "silent destroyers," it's crucial to be aware of the signs of termites and of the damage they cause. While termites are experts at hiding, there are some warning signs that these pests leave behind.

If you find any of the following in or around your home, you probably have a termite problem, and it's time to call a professional:

Mud tubes on the exterior of your home: Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel from their nests to food sources. If you see mud tubes outside your home, it's a good indication that these pests are already inside your walls.
Live termites: Coming across adult termites on your property is a sure sign that you have an infestation.
Swarmers: Flying termites around your property, especially near doors and windows, is a sign of a termite nest close by and a growing population.
Discarded wings: If you find wings around your home, often near window sills and doors, it means that termites have already mated and are searching for a place to build their nests.
Termite frass: Drywood termites leave behind droppings, or frass, that looks like piles of tiny, six-sided pellets.

When dealing with termites in Phoenix, time is of the essence. The longer you wait to get professional help, the more damage these pests will do to your home.

Don't take chances with your biggest investment. If you see any of the warning signs mentioned above – call a pest control service.

What Type Of Damage Do Termites Cause?

In addition to the signs of a termite infestation, you may also uncover evidence of termite damage. The signs of termite damage can vary and can easily be confused with other problems. If you notice any of these issues in your home, termites may be the culprits:

Buckling or extremely squeaky floorboards
Crumbling, damaged wood with galleries and dirt inside
Sagging roof or floors
Drywall that is discolored or peppered with small holes
Peeling paint that appears to be water damaged
Windows and doors that are difficult to open

Termites often infest areas of homes that are rarely accessed or are easily overlooked, such as the crawl space or attic. This is one of the reasons that termite infestations can go on for years without homeowners noticing. Professional annual inspections are the best way to ensure that any termite activity is promptly detected.

I Found Termite Warning Signs, Now What?

If you find any of the warning signs of termites on your property, don't panic. The first thing you need to do is call a professional. Seasoned pest control companies like Green Home Pest Control are more than capable of handling termite problems of any size. When you call, a professional will come to your property and thoroughly inspect it for different kinds of termites.

Once they have a positive termite identification, they'll develop a customized treatment plan to get rid of them. And in no time, you'll have your home back to being termite-free.

If you suspect you may have an infestation, don't wait. The sooner you get pest control, the better.

Do I Really Need Professional Termite Control?

The answer is a resounding "yes."

While there are some do-it-yourself termite control methods you could try, they're usually not very effective. And if you don't get rid of all the termites, you could be facing an even bigger problem down the road. Even if you don't currently have an active termite infestation, it's a good idea to invest in preventative termite inspections and control.

For a long-term solution to your Phoenix termite problem, contact Green Home Pest Control. Our team of experts will work quickly and efficiently to eliminate all the termites on your property. We also offer a broad range of other pest control services to keep your home free of pests. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

How Can I Prevent Future Termite Infestations?

Our termite control methods not only eliminate current termite colonies, they can also prevent new ones from developing. Even if you have never had a problem with termites before, proactive services can help ensure your home remains termite-free.

While professional methods are always recommended, there are also some simple steps that you can take on your own to reduce the likelihood of a termite infestation. Try these termite prevention tips:

Remove any decaying wood or vegetation from your yard.
Prevent moisture issues by ensuring that gutters and downspouts are in good condition.
Seal any small crevices or cracks in the exterior of your home.
Eliminate wood-to-soil contact.
Remove or replace any damp or water-damaged wood in your home.
Inspect wooden furniture, structures, and objects for termites before bringing them inside.

These preventive measures can help mitigate conditions that are conducive to termites, but every home is potentially vulnerable to these destructive pests. For the highest quality termite control and prevention, call the pros at Green Home Pest Control to learn more about out residential and commercial pest control services in Phoenix.