Signs Of Termites

Unfortunately, Maricopa County property owners face a high risk of termite infestations in their homes or buildings. That’s because our climate is ideal for these wood-destroying insects. That’s why knowing how to spot a termite problem is imperative. In this article, the Titan Pest Control team will identify the signs of termites, explain how our specialists eliminate termites and share a few termite prevention tips.

What do termites look like?

• Termite workers
  Tiny, pale-colored termite workers. They are about ⅛ of an inch long and have six legs and fat bodies.
• Soldier termites
  Termite soldiers have large orange heads and black pincers. Their job is to protect the workers, so you'll likely find a few of these if you find workers.
• Reproductives
  Black-colored insects with long white wings that are rounded at the tips. These are termite reproductives. They are about ⅜ of an inch long, which is three times the size of a worker.

Signs of termite activity

Termite mud tubes

Subterranean termites create shelter tubes out of mud that connects their underground colony to potential food sources, like your home. You're most likely to find these termite mud tubes running along the foundation of your structure, but you may find them indoors as well.  

When you find termite mud tubes, it doesn't mean you have termites. Break a piece off and check back in two days. If the section is rebuilt, it is proof positive that you have termites.

Termite damage

Termite damage is caused when termites consume the wood they infest. It may resemble water damage but may also be evidenced by bubbling paint, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, sagging floors and ceilings, and swollen doors and windows.

Termite swarmers

Winged reproductives, also known as termite swarmers, leave mature colonies to find mates and create new termite colonies in other locations. This occasion is marked by the presence of a swarm of winged insects. Termite swarms that happen outdoors do not necessarily mean that you have a termite colony on your property. However, if you notice termite swarms indoors, it should raise a red flag as it indicates that they are already infesting your property.

Discarded termite wings

After mating, termite reproductive shed their wings. If you see discarded wings inside your structure, it’s a clear warning sign that these pests are already active inside.

Professional termite control in Phoenix & Maricopa County

If you have a termite infestation or want to prevent termite problems before they begin, contact Titan Pest Control for effective termite control in Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County. We use the most termite solutions for our customers, including liquid termite treatments and termite baiting.  Contact us today to learn how we can help you protect your property from these destructive pests!

5 termite prevention tips for Arizona residents

Here are five termite prevention tips that can easily be implemented:

• Fix indoor and outdoor plumbing issues, including leaking faucets and A/C units.
• Make sure your gutters are not clogged and downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in crawl spaces and attics to reduce humidity levels.
• Replace water-damaged wood that will attract termites.
• Keep your yard free of dead wood, tree stumps, and debris that could lure these wood-destroying insects in.