What Are Termites?

Termites in Phoenix

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Termites fulfill an important role in our ecological system by speeding up the natural process of deterioration and help turn the dead wood into new soil. Unfortunately, termites don’t know the difference between a stump in your yard and the wood in your home. Termites live in social colonies, typically found in the soil. While they are generally found foraging underground for fallen wood, or plant debris, they can also enter homes, causing extensive damage if left untreated. The most common types of termites in the Phoenix, AZ area are subterranean termites and drywood termites.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites live underground, building elaborate networks of mud tunnels for travel and protection of the colony. Evidence of their mud tubes appears around wood structures, concrete or stone foundations, and other areas typically in basements when finding indoors. Above, you can see termite mud tubes that were created in a basement.

Another common sign of subterranean termites is by locating the piles of wings (shown above) that they leave behind after the “swarming” phase. During mating, termites burst out, using their weak wings to make a single flight to the ground. After they land, termites mate to expand their colony. Because their wings are so fragile, they break off on impact with the ground, causing the piles you’ll see.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites bore into wood, and the most common, but still hard to find, evidence of their presence is tiny holes and piles of wood-colored droppings called “frass.” If you think you have drywood termite damage, tap on the possibly affected spot. If it sounds hollow, drywood termites could be causing damage. During the summer, these termites swarm, so you will see them with wings, or you will see heaps of wings outside of the holes. Although their wings are small, the piles are easily visible.

Why Do I Have Termites at My House?

Termites are a common occurrence in nature, and are constantly in search of additional food sources. Worker termites travel underground, looking for fallen trees, decaying wood, plant debris, and other cellulose materials to consume and bring back to the colony. It is not uncommon to find termites in mulch or a nearby wood pile around your home. Improper moisture control, leaf litter, and direct wood-to-soil contact are all prime conditions that can promote termite activity on your property, often within close proximity to your home. While foraging, worker termites will enter cracks in the foundation of your home, ultimately leading them to the wood within the structure.

Termites Learning Center

Why Should I Be Concerned with Termites?

Termites cause billions of dollars of damage each year. The sad reality is that most homeowners and renters insurance plans do not cover termite damage. If termites enter your home, over time, they can attack wood and compromise the structural integrity of your house.

How Can I Prevent Termites at My House?

One way to prevent subterranean termites is to seal all cracks in your foundation that are near the ground. By blocking access points, you are less likely to suffer from termite infestations. You should also remove any wood that may have contact with the soil, which could include porch or deck structures attached to your home, landscaping elements made from wood, and piles of firewood. If you suspect that you have termites on your property or in your home, do not use DIY or other strategies that can be found online. By calling a professional at first sight of termite damage, the problem can be resolved quicker. Unfortunately, preventing termites with 100% success on your own is incredibly difficult.

How Does SOS Exterminating Get Rid of Termites?

SOS Exterminating provides pre-construction termite treatments for new construction of homes, duplexes, and other structures. If you are a current homeowner in need of termite control or monitoring, we can install the SOS Termite Bait Barrier System at your home. Termite bait stations are placed discreetly around your property, making the system barely visible. With the SOS Bait Barrier System, there is no concrete drilling, digging, trenching, or chemical injection required in or around your home. For your convenience, your SOS Exterminating termite expert can make a scheduled termite bait station monitoring visit without your even needing to be home.

Depending on the type of termite infestation, conventional liquid treatments are also available to provide a chemical barrier to termites.

Our termite control services are 100% guaranteed with same day or next day service typically available. Call us or fill out the form on this page to set up a free inspection!