Phoenix Termite Control

Phoenix Termite Control
Phoenix Arizona's Hometown Exterminator

Welcome to Arizona's Termite information Center

Depending upon which termite expert you speak with Arizona is home to 25 or less species of termites. Not all termites are the same and it is important to be able to identify and detect the various species of termites living in Arizona. Bills Pest and Termite is Arizona's Termite Experts. We offer full pest control services in Phoenix Arizona and Phoenix termite treatments and termite inspection services. For more information visit us @ Bills Pest and Termite or call us @ 602.308.4510



Thursday, September 27, 2012

Arizona termites…what’s eating at your home?


Termites in Arizona

Arizona termites…what’s eating at your home?


Termites in Arizona
https://billstermiteco.com/termite-treatment-quote/

Arizona is home to at least 17 species of termites and despite urban legend…not all Arizona termites will attack and/or destroy your home.

Subterranean termites, in general, are the most common type found in the Phoenix area (below 4000 feet) and they tend to cause the most damage. 
Two species in particular…Reticulitermes (Eastern Subterranean) and Heterotermes (native species) are most often found at homes with active infestations and damage.  “Desert termites,” (Gnathamitermes and Wheeler termites) generate a lot of calls and concern among homeowners and are seldom a threat to damage your home.



subterranean termitesEastern Subterranean termites are found across the United States and generate the bulk of the $2 billion dollars in termite damage every year.  These termites swarm in the spring at night usually after a heavy rain.  Above 4000 feet they are the most common subterranean termite in Arizona.  Experienced termite inspectors can quickly identify this termite by the larger, more flat termite tubes this species constructs on stem walls or through large expansion joints.



HeterotermesOur native species (Heterotermes) is the more common subterranean termite found in the Sonoran Desert region.  They adapt well to our dry conditions and usually swarm during the monsoon season after heavy rains.  Native termites migrate to areas and soil with higher than average moisture and will often nest under concrete slabs.  This species is the smallest of all termites found in Arizona and its small size gives it the ability to invade a home through small stress cracks and expansion joints.  Native termites is the only species in Arizona that constructs “drop tubes,” often seen hanging from ceiling joists.  Experienced termite inspectors will distinguish this species by their smaller, rounder, stronger, and airtight shelter tubes.


Desert termites tend to generate the most calls and concerns from Phoenix area homeowners.  This species swarms in the summer and is usually seen building tubes over dead grass, or sheets of mud on wood fences.  Desert termites usually surface after rainfall or heavy watering when our desert clay soil is “loosened.”  It’s not uncommon to see thin sheets of mud or tubes on Palm trees, Cactus or covering wood debris left on the desert floor.  Desert termites seldom invade a home and rarely cause damage.
Light Western Drywood termites are common is pockets of the Valley and can be found throughout the Sonoran Desert below 4000 feet.  Dark Western Drywood termites dominate the region above 4000 feet.  Western Drywood termites usually swarm in July-August and can be destructive if not detected.  This species lives in the wood it consumes and is rarely seen.  Experienced termite inspectors can determine the presence of this species by the distinctive droppings and galleries.

If you have…or suspect If you have... or suspect Arizona termites…the first step is to call an experience exterminator to determine if you have termites…and if those termites are a threat to your home.  Not all termites in Arizona are equal.  Treatment methods can vary depending upon the invading species.

Call Arizona’s termite experts…Bills Pest and Termite for your free inspection…or visit our website to schedule online.
Bills Pest Termite Control 602.308.4510