Nothing brings fear into the heart of more than finding out that a colony of termites has moved in and are munching on the wooden structures of their home. Thoughts of beams crumbling and floors collapsing can cause a person to wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat. Panic sets in when you begin to think about how much money it is going to take to fix the problem.
Destructive Termites And The Damage They Cause In Phoenix
Known as “silent destroyers,” the termite sends their explorers (swarmers) into welcoming habitats all over the world. Their coloring ranges from creamy white to light brown to black. Universally, they have a long, narrow, and oval-shaped body that ranges in size from 1/8” to 1”. Two termite species are common in the Phoenix area. Their descriptions and the damage they cause are listed below:
- Subterranean termites are the most common termites in Phoenix and tend to cause the most damage. They build distinctive tunnels called mud tubes. Mud tubes are the transportation highway they use to access food sources and to protect them from open air. They eat wood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by using their saw-toothed jaws to bite off small fragments of wood piece by piece. Critical damage to buildings can eventually cause a total collapse.
- Drywood termites enjoy . . . dry wood. These termites can chew through support beams, floors, and walls. They do not need soil for transportation as they are able to establish nests in roofing material, wooden wall supports, and attic framings. They are easily transported to other homes via furniture, picture frames, etc. Dry wood laying around the yard can also be prime attractions.
Many homeowners attempt to solve termite infestations on their own. Some suggest natural treatments such as orange oil, vinegar, exposure to sunlight, and cardboard traps soaked with water. Chemical options include borax (powder treatment) and other various sprays offered in your local department stores. Without proper , you may waste both your time and money. Even with correct identification, most over the counter solutions only work on a short-term basis.
Six Prevention Techniques To Help Ward Off Phoenix Termites
Homeowners can with multiple preventative actions. Helpful steps for stopping an infestation before it happens are as follows:
- Avoid water accumulation near your foundation. (It is wise to divert water away from your home with functioning downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks).
- Reduce humidity in your crawl spaces by installing proper ventilation.
- Do not bury wood scraps or discarded lumber in your yard.
- Keep firewood and scrap wood at least 20’ from your home.
- Maintain a 1” gap between the soil and any wood portions of a building.
- Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation.
Green Home Pest Control – Exterminating Professionals
The only way to truly is to get professional help. Green Home Pest Control has been helping the people of Phoenix since 2012. Call us today for an inspection of your home by a trained termite exterminator. Our company specializes in identifying and locating infestations. Green Home Pest Control is happy to provide . Customers will have peace of mind knowing that the service they receive from Green Home Pest Control has a yearly warranty and a follow-up inspection on our liquid and bait treatments.
Request Your Free Estimate Today
Complete the form below to request your no obligation estimate.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
