Desert Subterranean Termites and How They Affect Arizona Homes

Termites – that word probably just makes you cringe as a homeowner. First off, any pest is a nuisance. However, these creatures only get to be about 1/2 inch in length, but they’re big trouble. One example is the desert subterranean termites of Phoenix.

The unusually high moisture level and the abundance of structures consisting of wood make the metropolitan area of Phoenix a prime breeding ground for desert subterranean termites. Oftentimes these wood-consuming pests go unnoticed because they burrow deep. This can lead to a serious infestation before they’re noticed.

This particular species of termite lives underground. They create a network of tubes there, which are comprised of soil, bits of wood and other particles like drywall and plaster that they find. Although you mainly associate termites with eating wood  – in particular these ones like wet or rotted wood – they will also eat through the drywall in your home. In addition, there are certain types of paint they enjoy munching because it contains cellulose. Once they find tasty drywall or wood, they start tunneling through the crevices and cracks of the wall or other structure.

A majority of the destruction these bugs do happens in the foundation, supports or other wooden structures. As they continue to feast, they compromise the integrity of the beams or whatever they choose to eat, and it can cause complete failure of a support or a beam in your Arizona home. They sneak behind the walls and channel through the wooden support beams. This makes it difficult to detect that they’re even in your home. By the time you notice their presence, it’s oftentimes too late, and there has already been damage done since you may not notice until the termite pokes through your wall or ceiling.

Even if you only find one of these insects, you’re more than likely infested because they travel together. You need to treat for them immediately because they’re highly destructive. They can cause your entire home to collapse if they gnaw on vital support beams. Although tearing apart the foundation and frame of the home can treat the problem, it’s not very cost efficient. Since there isn’t a magic spray to kill them, you must hire a professional termite control company to do the job properly.