Termites

What are termites?

Termites are well-known to home and business owners because of the structural damage they can cause with their feeding habits. A nightmare for home and business owners to deal with, nobody wants to discover these pests on their property.

Termites feed on the cellulose found in trees, plants, and other plant matter. When termites find their way into a structure like a home or business, they will attack and begin to feed on structural wood and other wooden items that they come across, causing major damage in the process.

In the Tucson area, we not only have one termite species to deal with but two; the drywood termite and subterranean termite. Both types feed on wood but have different feeding and nesting habits.

• Subterranean termites nest within the damp soil. They prefer to feed on damp, decaying wood because their moisture needs are so high.
• Drywood termites have much lower moisture needs and naturally prefer dry or sound wood. These termites do nest within the wood they are feeding on.

Are termites dangerous?

Termites are dangerous to our structures, but not directly to people or our health. These social insects live and work together in large groups, making it easy for them to cause significant damage that will become extensive and costly to repair over time.

When feeding on our structures, they cause damage to structural wood, wood trim, roof rafters, flooring, and wooden furniture.

Termite damage is one of the most costly repairs that a homeowner have to pay for because most homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover the cost of termite damage repairs.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Termites are a major problem in our region, with these pests living in colonies with high numbers; a single colony can have more than 100,000 individuals. If termites have become a problem on your property, it’s because it’s supplying them with a source of food or moisture.

Both drywood and subterranean termites may enter your home on their own from its exterior, and drywood termites are often transported inside in something like wood furniture, flooring, or beams.

Subterranean termites are attracted to moisture. Things like wet soil, leaking pipes, and poor ventilation provide the water these termites want and why they have become a problem on your property.

Drywood termites move into homes in various ways through foundations, vents, gaps around windows and doors, damaged trim, and along the roof. Drywood termites will travel miles for food and water sources.

Where will I find termites?

When termites have invaded a structure, they can work for months or even years without detection. But, over time, they will start to leaves clues behind that will alert you to their presence.

When drywood termites infest wooden structures or pieces of wood, they create tiny holes to push their dropping through; the dark, coffee-ground-like droppings will pile up on the ground below. Noticing these entrance holes in wood furniture, walls, beams, or flooring is an indication that drywood termites are present.

The easiest way to identify a subterranean termite is through the mud tubes they build to travel through. They are about the width of a pencil and are found on the ground and running up walls and foundation walls. Mud tubes help to keep them away from predators and provide the moisture they need to survive.

How do I get rid of termites?

Get rid of termites with the help of the professionals at Pest Friends. We know how stressful and destructive a termite infestation can be. Our professionals will work quickly to eliminate the infestation and put proactive measures in place that are necessary to stop them from returning. We will rid your home of termites through our modern pest control solutions, eco-friendly approach, and innovative equipment. To learn more about our effective termite control services in Tucson, AZ, reach out to Pest Friends today!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

Controlling termites is difficult; they live together in large colonies and work silently feeding on the structural wood located inside our Tucson homes and businesses. While the best solution is always a professional solution, there are some things you can do around your property to make it less attractive termites.

• Repair cracks and other openings in the foundation, exterior walls, and roofline of your home to help stop termites from being able to gain entrance into your house.
• Keep basements or crawl spaces dry using dehumidifiers and venting them adequately.
• Quickly repair leaky pipes, sinks, tubs, or fixtures.
• Clear your yard of wooden construction debris, fallen trees, tree stumps, and woodpiles.
• Limit soil to wood contact on your property, especially around your home.
• Remove older or decaying wooden play structures, sheds, or fences from your property. 
• Inspect lumber, landscaping, wood flooring, wooden furniture, and other wooden items for termites before bringing them onto your property or into your home.

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