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| Western Drywood Swarmers |
July 14th, 2011 Michelle Stell, Office Manager at Bills Pest and Termite notes an increase in customer calls from across Metro Phoenix Arizona reporting "flying ants," or "flying termites."
Termite Inspectors are finding most of the calls are Western Drywood Termites that typically swarm this time of year. Western Drywood Termites are often mis-identified as ant swarmers by less experienced exterminators. Drywood termites and ants share similiar swarm seasons in central Arizona.
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| Arizona Drywood Swarmer |
Generally, the first indirect sign of infestation is the discovery of fecal pellets or the presence of alates on windowsills or near lights. Alates found inside the house (if windows and doors have been closed), are an indication of infestation within the structure. Another indication of infestation is the presence of discarded wings near emergence sites, on windowsills or caught up in cobwebs. The presence of alates outdoors is a natural phenomenon and is not an implication of home infestation.
Drywood termites spend their entire lives inside wood. They construct round “kick holes” in infested wood, through which the fecal pellets are eliminated from the galleries or tunnels. These pellets accumulate in small piles below the kick holes, or will be scattered if the distance between the kick hole and the surface below is very great. Fecal pellets also may be found caught in spider webs.
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| Fecal Pellets from A Drywood Termites |
Fecal pellets are distinctive and used for identification of drywood termite infestation. Drywood fecal pellets are hard, elongated and less than 1/25 inch long. They have rounded ends and six flattened or concavely depressed sides with ridges at angles between the six surfaces. The characteristic shape results when the termite exerts pressure on the fecal material to extract and conserve moisture in its hindgut. Typically the pellets are a light tan in color with some black ones mixed in.
Homeowners are encouraged to have their home inspected for termites at least once a year.
To order your FREE Termite Inspection call us @ 602.308.4510 or visit Order Free Termite Inspection
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