Termites are one of the most common and destructive pests in Arizona. While these insects can cause a great deal of damage to homes and buildings, the appearance of these pests can often be overlooked. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what Arizona termites look like and how to identify them.
Types of Termites in Arizona
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are the most common species of termites in Arizona. They live in colonies and nest in the soil. They build mud tubes to reach food sources and have a creamy white color with a darker brown head.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are larger than subterranean termites and have a yellowish-brown color. They live in wood and don’t require contact with the soil. They build galleries and can sometimes be found swarming in the spring.
Identifying Arizona Termites
| Termite Species | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Subterranean Termites | Color: Light to dark brown Size: ⅜” – ¼” long Shape: Oval-shaped |
| Drywood Termites | Color: Light to dark brown Size: ⅜” – ½” long Shape: Narrow and elongated |
| Desert Dampwood Termites | Color: Reddish-brown Size: ½” – ¾” long Shape: Oval-shaped |
Arizona is home to many species of termites, including subterranean termites, drywood termites, and desert dampwood termites. Identifying these species is important in order to properly treat an infestation.
Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite in Arizona. They are light to dark brown in color and are ⅜” – ¼” long, with an oval-shaped body.
Drywood termites are also found in Arizona. They are light to dark brown and ⅜” – ½” long, with a narrow and elongated body.
Desert dampwood termites are found in some areas of Arizona, primarily in the southern and western regions. They are reddish-brown in color and ½” – ¾” long, with an oval-shaped body.
Signs of an Infestation
Discarded wings near windows, doors, or other potential entry points is a common sign of an infestation. Other signs include hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes on exterior walls, and visible damage to wood structures. Infestations can also be identified by finding termites inside the home, noticing swarms of winged termites, or discovering piles of pellet-like droppings near a potential infestation.
Prevention
To prevent Arizona termites from infesting a home, it is important to inspect the exterior of the home for signs of damage. If there is any visible damage to the exterior of the home, it should be addressed immediately. It is also important to inspect the interior of the home for any signs of activity, such as wings near windows or door frames, sawdust near walls, or mud tubes on walls. Additionally, it is important to keep wood and other cellulose materials away from the home and to seal any cracks or crevices in the foundation or walls. Finally, it is important to make sure that any water sources, such as gutters and downspouts, are functioning properly and that any standing water is removed.
Treatment
| Treatment Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Insecticides | Insecticides can be used to treat the infestation. It is important to identify the termite species and use the appropriate insecticide. |
| Baiting | Baiting systems can be used to treat the infestation. The baits act as a food source for the termites and can be used to draw the termites away from the structure. |
| Fumigation | Fumigation is a method of treating the infestation by using a gas to penetrate the structure and kill the termites. It is important to ensure that the structure is sealed properly to ensure an effective treatment. |
Cost
- Repelling Arizona termites can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per year.
- Treating an Arizona termite infestation can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,500.
- Repairing damage caused by Arizona termites can cost anywhere from $500 to $11,000.
Professional Services
Professionals are trained to inspect, identify, and treat termites. If termites are found, they will use a variety of techniques to remove them. This may include baiting, spraying, and fumigation. They can also recommend preventive methods to keep termites away from your home in the future. A professional can also provide advice on how to spot warning signs of a termite infestation, such as mud tubes, droppings, and damaged wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Termites are Found in Arizona?
Arizona is home to two types of termites: subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites are found mainly in moist soil, and they feed on wood and other cellulose materials. They build mud tubes to reach wood and other sources of food, and they prefer damp, moist environments. Drywood termites are found in dry, arid environments and they infest dry wood, such as fence posts, decks, and even furniture. They build galleries and tunnels in wood to feed and reproduce.
How can I identify drywood termites in Arizona?
Drywood termites can be identified in Arizona by their oval-shaped bodies, six legs, and a pair of wings that are equal in size. They are usually yellowish-brown to brown in color and can range in size from 3/8- to 1/2-inch long. Their wings are the same length, and they are usually shed after the termite has flown. The wings of the drywood termite are also distinctly darker than the body. They can also be identified by the fecal pellets that they leave behind. These pellets are small, and are usually hard and round with six evenly-rounded sides.
What do Phoenix, Arizona termites look like?
In Phoenix, Arizona, the most common type of termite is the subterranean termite. These termites have a light brown body with darker brown wings. The workers are about 1/4 of an inch in length and the reproductive termites are about 3/8 of an inch in length. The wings of a reproductive termite are twice as long as its body. The wings of the workers are the same length as the body.
What are the Most Common Types of Termites in Arizona?
Subterranean termites are the most common type of termites in Arizona. They are attracted to moist, dark environments and require frequent contact with the soil to survive. Drywood termites are also present in Arizona, and they typically feed on dead wood in homes and buildings, as well as any untreated wood. Formosan termites are an invasive species that have recently been found in the state. They build large colonies and can cause significant damage to structures.
Are Desert Termites Found in Arizona?
Yes, desert termites are found in Arizona and they have a unique look. These termites are usually light brown or tan in color and the soldier termites have dark brown heads. Their bodies are made up of three distinct segments and they measure anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in length. Desert termites can be found in the dry desert regions of Arizona and they feed on dead vegetation and wood.
Conclusion
Arizona termites, like other termites, have a white, segmented body and wings that are longer than their body. They also have antennae and six legs. While they are not particularly dangerous, they can cause significant damage to homes and buildings if left unchecked. It is important to understand what Arizona termites look like in order to identify them and take the necessary steps to protect your home or building.
