How to Tackle Tucson Termites
Wondering how to tackle Tucson termites?
Termites, also known as “white ants” are actually closer related to cockroaches than they are the ant family. They typically hang out in groups called colonies. There are roughly 3,000 different species of termites, yet only 300 or so are considered pests. Among those 300 are the two types of termites found in Tucson, know as Subterranean and Drywood termites. Here, we interview local Tucson professionals, DSR Pest Management for tips.
Here’s what residents need to know to detect, deter and destroy termites eating them out of house and home – literally!
What are Subterranean termites?
Subterranean termites are, by far, one of the most destructive termite species. With their strong jaws adapted for chewing wood, they are able to demolish entire structures over time. This is a terrible and costly inconvenience to our local Tucson residents.
How does a resident know they have Subterranean termites in their home?
When conducting a preliminary search of your home for the presence of Subterranean termites, you’ll first want to look at the home itself.
You may notice wooden structures, like porch beams externally, or wooden support beams internally, that literally look as if chunks have been bitten off over time.
Rather than sporadic holes, it is likely that the damage will be isolated and increase outbound from there. They prefer softer parts of wood, like that between the grains.
Because Subterranean termites live in underground colonies, they rely on mud tubes to make their way from food to nest. It is unlikely you will see them at work.
Naturally, due to our Arizona climate, your best bet is to visit moist, secluded areas above ground to catch a glimpse of these Tucson termites. Also, look for mud tubes along the outside of your property.
What do Subterranean termites look like?
Should you actually find a Subterranean termite mid-munch, you will witness a six-legged insect about 1/8 inch long. They vary from creamy-white to dark brown or black-in-color. They sport long, narrow bodies and usually have an oval-shaped head, complete with wood-demolishing pinchers.
How do Subterranean termites differ from Drywood Termites?
While Subterranean termites have a reputation for being one of the worst pests around, Drywood termites can cause similar amounts of damage and with ease of access as well.
Where Subterranean termites utilize mud tubes for access, Drywood termites are air-borne bugs. Not only can they fly onto your property easily but they can also nest inside the wood. This makes their dwelling and demolition the same location.
Drywood termites create ‟kick-out” holes to push their excrement through the wood. These open areas in wood are common signs of invasion.
In addition, the tiny grains that pile up in small mounds on floors can also be a sign of their residence.
What do Drywood Termites look like?
Larger than their Subterranean cousins, Drywood termites boast a body length of about 3/8 to 1 inch in length. Their bodies are similarly a variant between creamy-white to dark brown or black-in-color with the same long, narrow and oval-like thorax.
Because of their airborne abilities, they have large wings that cover their abdomen, and sometimes, the shedding of these very wings are the only trace they leave behind, as proof of their presence.
How do Tucson homeowners prevent termites from entering their homes?
As pest control professionals in the industry since 2001, we recommend the following preventative and responsive measures for both deterrence and destruction of these home-hungry invaders.
- Ensure all paint on outside of home is maintained and not exposing wood.
- Ensure wood does not come in contact with soil or shrubbery.
- Stack firewood on a cement base and if the wood is infested, pour soapy water on it or burn the wood as soon as possible.
- Repair any cracks in concrete or masonry right away.
- Cut trees that overhang your roof area.
- Call in the specialists. Local professionals like us have a strong, working knowledge of what to look for and how rid your house of termites.
Simply visit our website to schedule an easy inspection and complimentary consultation on how best to tackle Tucson termites in and around your home.
Termite Treatment for Home Owners
Termites: they’re tiny but highly destructive, responsible for about five billion dollars in annual replacement costs. Even if you added together the cost of damage from tornadoes, earthquakes, and fires combined, it still won’t come close to the cost of termite damage. The average cost for a homeowner to repair damage caused by these insects is upwards of $3,500. Here at DSR Pest Management, our goal is to catch termite infestation early before it gets out of control, eating into your wallet and causing untold damage to your structural supports. Our termite treatments can get to the root of the problem fast.
From dry-wood to subterranean to damp-wood, there are many species of termites that could be hard at work under your home right now. Some burrow right into wood beams and other supports, while others nest outside the home and burrow in through mud tubes. No matter the species, termites grow exponentially as their colony does, with each insect responsible for a different function. Problem is, most people don’t realize they have termite infestation until the problem because obvious and costly.
Signs You Have Termites
The sooner you can spot termites, the better chance you have of getting rid of them before they cause major damage. Be on the lookout for mud tubes infested with small, white insects. If you have any areas of exposed wood, use a screwdriver to listen for hollow areas where termites might have already caused damage. Be on the lookout for termite swarms as well, which are essentially winged termites that are seeking a new home because they have outgrown their current one.
Here are some more signs to be cautious of:
- Buckling wood
- Swollen floors and ceilings
- Areas with slight water damage
- Visible mazes within walls or furniture
- Dry-wood termite droppings, which resemble sawdust or coffee grounds
- Piles of wings, which indicates swarmers that have entered the next phase of development
- Swarmers found outdoors near tree stumps and old firewood reveal an infestation on the outside only; swarmers found indoors signals an indoor termite infestation within the home.
Ways to Prevent Termites
If you suspect termites are present, you should always call a termite treatment professional to get rid of them the correct way. However, there are some DIY approaches you can take, such as filling in cracks in the cement. Got leaks? Fix them as soon as possible, as moisture, particularly when it gets into the wood, attracts termites. Remove or cut back plants and overgrown shrubs that are blocking your vents. Refrain from leaving any piles of wood close to your home.
If you have mulch around your home, ensure there is at least a four-inch barrier between the mulch and your foundation. Keep any form of lumber, wood, plants, paper, and cardboard away around the foundation. Here are some more tips:
- Repair broken roof tiles: Broken tiles create moisture that attracts termites, providing a gateway into your home.
- Check your attic regularly for signs of termites: Press your thumb against wood supports to check for areas that feel spongy.
- Refrain from storing cardboard boxes filled with photos and paper in attics and other damp places. This is termites’ favorite food. Use plastic bins with covers instead.
- Keep furniture away from walls.
- Keep storage units away from walls in the garage. Use metal stands instead of wood ones.
- Keep laundry away from walls and off the floor.
- Use wood furniture sparingly.
- Be on the lookout for swarms. They are scouting for a new home! Don’t make it easy on them.
- Be leery of any antique furniture in your home; if you do have some, check it often for signs of infestation.
If you notice any signs of termites, call your trusted local pest control company immediately. Professional termite treatments can rid your home of pests before they cause any major problems.
Contact DSR Pest Management in Tucson AZ
If you suspect you have termites, contact DSR Pest Management, Inc. at 520-790-7759. Our technicians will visit your home and provide you with a comprehensive inspection for termites, followed by termite treatment recommendations. Since 2001, our local family-owned and operated company has been providing Tucson and surrounding communities with the highest quality and most affordable pest control services available.
Knowing When Termites Are Present in Your Home
When it comes to Termites, Tucson relies on DSR!
Termites are extremely destructive pests that can cause extensive damage to the structure of your home in just a short period of time. Thus, the key to preventing termite damage is knowing how to spot the earliest signs of a termite infestation. As soon as you think you may have a termite problem, contact your Tucson pest control expert for a professional evaluation and treatment plan to protect your home and its value.
Termite Swarms
Termites reproduce by sending out swarms of juvenile insects to find a location in which to build a new colony. These swarms consist of winged termites, meaning you may encounter a “cloud” of termites inside or outside your home. If these pests have already settled in or near your home, you may instead find their discarded wings, particularly along windowsills.
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites create hollow mud tubes, approximately the diameter of a pencil, to connect their food source with their colony. These mud tubes may be visible on the exterior of your home, particularly near the foundation, or on interior walls and ceilings. If you find a mud tube, it is a sure sign of termite activity in the area and should prompt a call to your pest control service for a professional pest inspection immediately.
Frass
Termite droppings, also called frass, are another sign of pest activity in or around your home. These wood-colored droppings appear as termites work their way through the wood of your home, and may look like small piles of sawdust near your baseboards or in corners. If you discover reappearing piles of frass in your home, it’s a sign that termites are active and must be addressed.
Termites are a common pest problem in the Tucson area—DSR Pest Management, Inc. can help you eliminate these insects and keep them away from your home to protect your property and belongings. Please visit our website for more details about termite pest control and our other residential services, or call (520) 790-7759 to speak with a pest control expert about your needs.
Termite Inspection
Termite inspections are usually mandatory for most real estate transactions. But don’t wait until you sell your home to find out if you have a problem. Termites are so common in Tucson and surrounding communities; it’s not a matter of if, but when you will experience a termite issue at your home. When should you schedule a termite inspection?
- Suspect you might have a termite problem in your home or business
- Want to prevent a termite infestation before it starts
- Plan to buy or sell property and need a termite inspection as condition of sale
DSR Pest Management, Inc. understands that proactive measures serve homeowners best. We can respond the same day. Don’t wait and worry. Set up your free termite inspection now!
We make the Tucson termite inspections effortless. Your home is likely your largest investment. Once termites invade a building, they can cause expensive damage that threatens the integrity of your home. Early detection and prevention are vitally important. So what can you expect when DSR Pest Management, Inc. inspections your home for termites? Below is our thorough process:
- Visual inspection of both interior and exterior, for any activity of wood-destroying insects
- We will be inspecting evidence of the presence of termites including damage to wood, mud tubes, molted wings, termite droppings and exit holes
- Identification of areas inside and outside the structure that could attract termite infestations, such as standing water, moisture around the foundation, wood mulch close to structures, tree branches overhanging structures, and any wood features of the structure that are touching or buried in the soil
- Inspection of soil around foundations and structures, especially by common entry points.
- Inspections can be done in less than an hour, depending on the size of your home and it’s condition
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