Arizona termites…what’s eating at your home?

Arizona termites…what’s eating at your home?



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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.

Eastern 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.

Our 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

2012 Arizona Termites Swarm Season underway!

Metro Phoenix area homeowners are reporting large swarms of winged Arizona termites in and around their homes as recent monsoon rains have kicked off the 2012 swarm season. 

Native Subterranean termites (Heterotermes) are the most common and destructive species of termites found in the Phoenix area.  Heterotermes in Arizona are notorious for attacking homes, wood utility poles, wood structures and creating millions of dollars worth of damage yearly.

Native subterranean termites are usually 4-6 times smaller than other species which give them a unique ability to enter a structure undetected via small expansion joints and stress cracks.  While colonies tend to be smaller in size this species will often co-exist with 10-15 other colonies on the same lot.  Homes under attack by multiple colonies can be damaged in a relatively short time.

Native subterranean termites prefer to eat the soft wood of a two by four which contains the most moisture and is easier to digest. Damaged wood appears honeycombed, with soil in the galleries. 

Native subterranean termites are less dependent on moisture and decay than other subterranean termites in Arizona. They will readily attack dry, sound wood. A typical sign of infestation is the presence of drop tubes coming from the ceiling joists and drywall, or shelter tubes appearing on the stem wall.  

Native subterranean termites prefer to forage in shaded soil and/or areas made wet by recent rainfall.  

They construct mud shelter tubes up stem walls, over or around solid objects in order to reach a food source. These mud-tubes are slender, solidly built and pale yellow to tan in color. Darker soil usually indicates fresh tubes with a high moisture content.  As tubes age (dry out) they become lighter in color and brittle. 

The mud-tubes are more circular in cross section than those of the other Arizona subterranean termites whose mud-tubes are flattened in cross section and dirty light brown in color.  

Native subterranean termites often swarm at night during the monsoon season, from July to September, usually shortly after rain storms. The moist soil provides the nuptial swarmers with the best chance of surviving and developing a new colony. The male and female pair off and enter the soil where they excavate a cavity or cell.  

A well-developed mature colony may contain more than 300,000 termites, including a large number of secondary reproductives (queens) that can readily break off from the primary colony to form separate colonies. Native subterranean termites commonly have a foraging territory of up to almost an acre.  

The first step in protecting your home against termite destruction is to have a yearly termite inspection.  If, and when termites invade your home will be the time to consider a termite treatment.

Drywood termites in Phoenix

Drywood termite swarmers in Phoenix

Drywood termites in Phoenix 

August 2, 2012 – Lisa Gartner of Bill’s Pest Termite Control reports an increase in calls reporting “flying ants” or “flying termites” from concerned homeowners across the valley.  Termite Inspectors responding to these calls are often finding evidence of Western Drywood Termites a sign that the summer swarm season is underway in Metro Phoenix

Western Drywood Termites are often misidentified as ant swarmers by less experienced exterminators. Drywood termites and ants share similar swarm seasons in Arizona.  It generally takes 4-7 years for drywood termites to produce swarmers so their presence is a sign of a mature colony nearby. 

Generally, the first sign of infestation is the discovery of cone shaped piles of fecal pellets or the presence of winged swarmers on windowsills, door frames or near lights. Discovery of damage is usually secondary. Swarmers 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 swarmers outdoors is a natural phenomenon and is not necessarily an indication of home infestation. 

Drywood termites in Phoenix spend their entire lives inside wood. They construct round “kick holes” in infested wood, through which the fecal pellets are pushed from their 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. 

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 by a professional familiar with all species of termites Arizona. 

Drywood termites in Phoenix 602.308.4510

Arizona Termite Inspections

Arizona Termite Inspection Reports 

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Arizona has a national reputation when it comes to termites.  “If your home does not already have termites…it will eventually!” While there is no law requiring a termite inspection…your lender may require an Arizona termite inspection report as a condition of lending funds. If your lender does not require an inspection or you’re paying cash…getting a termite report before making the final buying decision is a wise investment. 

When buying an Arizona home the termite inspection is every bit as important as the home inspection.  Depending upon the home a termite inspection can be more important!  Who wants to buy a home infested with termites and riddled with hidden structural damage?  Not all termites in Arizona are the same nor is the evidence they might leave to signal their presence.  It takes a trained and experienced inspector to detect Arizona termites! 

I’m often asked “My realtor knows a good termite inspector…should I let them set up the inspection?” 

My answer is almost always…MAYBE!? 

Years ago I sat in on a deposition involving a civil litigation concerning a buyer seeking damages against her realtor and the termite inspection company that failed to detect a less common termite species and hidden structural damage. 

The plaintiff stated her realtor had recommended the termite company saying she had used their services for 11 years and they were “good.” 

When the plaintiff described her definition of a “good” termite company she explained: A business that sends knowledgeable, experienced inspectors to thoroughly inspect a property.  They are familiar with all species of termites found in the area.  Know how to detect damage both visual and hidden.  They provide a detailed report with accurate information. 

Under oath the realtor described her definition of a “good” termite company was a reliable business that provides termite reports within the ten day inspection period and does not hamper the transaction. 

Realtors work hard for their clients and do not receive compensation for service(s) until the home buying transaction is completed.  Information on a termite report can “hamper the transaction” or even terminate a purchase agreement.  Many realtors fear a “dirty” termite report or a condition conducive to infestation being listed as it may negate all the work put into completing “the deal.”  As a result it’s not uncommon for realtors to gravitate to “good” inspection companies that are more likely provide a smooth transaction. 

In this matter the buyer’s expectation of “good” was miles apart from that of the realtor. 

If you’re considering buying a home in Arizona…it’s best to research and select an inspector that will meet your expectations!  If your realtor recommends a termite inspector find out why they use them?  Do a little follow up research…remember GOOGLE is your friend!

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Pest Control Phoenix Az

Pest Control Phoenix Az

Got bugs? Need Phoenix Pest and Termite Control?

https://billstermiteco.com/pest-control-quote

Phoenix Arizona is located in the heart of the Sonoran desert and home to over 11,000 different species of insects.  If you don’t already have bugs inside your home…there’s a few thousand just outside…waiting to invade.

Phoenix has also been referred to as the Venomous Capital of the World and home to several species of scorpions, venomous spiders, snakes and poisonous toads.

If you live in Arizona…sooner or later you’re going to need a good exterminator!

Bills Phoenix Pest and Termite Control is your hometown exterminator providing safe, effective pest control services for your home or business at affordable rates.  Bill’s is family owned and locally operated by Arizona natives familiar with the unique pests that inhabit our Sonoran Desert.

Bill’s provides complete Phoenix pest and termite control services and has been a trusted name in Arizona for nearly three decades.  You can trust that we will only offer the services that you need…no up-selling, hidden fees or unnecessary services.  Bill’s does require a signed contract or commitment to a long term service plan as a condition of service.  Our prices are fair and we back up each service with a guarantee.  If your bugs come back…we come back.

When you hire Bill’s your assured of getting the experience it takes to quickly identify and eliminate all your pest problems.  Our service technicians have the experience and know which products will be the most effective, where to place the product and how much.  Saving you…your family…pets and customers…from needless exposure to harsh chemicals.

Bills Pest Termite Control…we’ll treat you like family!

Phoenix Termite Control

Phoenix Termite Control

“There are two types of homes in Phoenix…those with termites and those that are gonna get “em!”

If your Phoenix home doesn’t already have termites…it’s just a matter of time before they will infest.  Everyday unsuspecting homeowners have their home secretly invaded by termites.  Hidden termite damage can diminish a home’s value and result in thousands of dollars worth of damage repair. Need an online Phoenix Termite Control quote?

Many areas of Phoenix were once virgin desert or farm land with moderate termite pressure.  Construction has created moisture sources, shelter from our desert heat, and food (the wood in your home).  As a result termite populations are exploding and the demand for Phoenix termite control has never been greater.

As the homes age…the initial protective barrier wears out…no longer fending off the hordes of termites waiting to feast on your home.

Termites are destructive, causing major structural damage to homes and commercial buildings across the United States.  Yearly estimates of damage run into the billions of dollars.

Phoenix homes are more likely to see large termite infestations and the resulting damage as termites feed year round unhampered by cold weather or freezing temperatures.

Bill’s Phoenix Termite Control recommends that every home should be inspected at least once a year for termites.  Order your FREE TERMITE INSPECTION today.

Phoenix is home to several species of termites and not all infestations should be treated the same.  For example, treating the soil around a home has no effect on an infestation involving Western Drywood or Dampwood termites.  Homes recently treated for one termite species should be inspected yearly for evidence of other types.

Most Phoenix termite exterminators are only familiar with the more common native species of subterranean termite.  These termites are easily detected by the shelter tubes constructed on foundation walls or inside garages.  Detecting other termite species found in Phoenix can be difficult for inexperienced exterminators.   Undetected termite infestation can result in structural damage and depreciate the value of your home.

Phoenix homeowners should have their homes inspected at least once a year by a trained and experience termite inspector.  Catching a termite infestation early can save the cost of expensive damage repair and maintain a home’s resale value.

When termites are found it’s important that a complete termite treatment with an effective product be done early in the infestation.  Maintaining a continuous protective barrier minimizes the chance of re-infestation, while using an effective termiticide ensures a lasting treatment.

Effectively getting rid of termites requires a specialized set of termite skills. Experience is required to know where the likeliest entry points are in your home. Entry points are may be hidden and hard to access.  

Phoenix termite control requires specialized equipment most people don't own.  From rotary hammer drills to soil treatment rods, and foamers, this equipment helps exterminators find and root out termites that may elude homeowners.  

Typically a service to eliminate termite infestations involves hundreds of gallons of termiticide injected along and under a home's foundation, underneath concrete slabs, or within walls. These access points and materials are not readily accessible to the general public.

Choosing a good Phoenix termite control exterminator can be a complex decision as there are hundreds of termite exterminators in Phoenix alone.

Phoenix termite control companies offer different treatments and warranties to deal with termite issues. In many cases, they should come back to retreat the affected areas at no extra charge.  Make sure this provision is included in your termite control agreement.  

Many liquid termiticides can last for five years or more when properly applied.  Not all termiticides are the same…a termiticide that works well in other states may not fare so well in the sandy soil of our Sonoran Desert.  The actual length of time these treatments control the termite problem in your home will depend on the thoroughness of the application, the severity of the termite control issue in your area, type of termiticide used, and other conditions.  Normally if swarmers are found the year after you have an exterminator come out, it's because of human error in application and not in failure of the chemicals.

Termiticides are tested thoroughly for any effects they might have on the health of people and animals. Before any chemical can be used, it must be tested and approved by the EPA and the State of Arizona.

Rather than focus solely on the price of a termite service Arizona homeowners need to be aware of what termiticide is being applied around their home, how and why.

If you suspect you have a problem with termites in your home, seek the help the professionals at Bills Pest Termite Control.

Bills Pest Termite Control is your hometown Phoenix termite exterminator…Arizona’s Termite Experts…We know Phoenix Termites!

Phoenix Termite Control @ 602.308.4510

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Premise or Termidor ?

Which is better...

The distributors of Premise and Termidor have gone head to head…like heavy weight boxing champions…for more than a decade...each claiming their product is better.  Both release “scientific findings” to support claim’s of supremacy.

Bills Pest & Termite is a registered user of both products.  We’ve treated over 16,000 structures using either Premise or Termidor.  Our findings are based upon “real world” experience here in Arizona.

It’s important to understand that the soil in Metro Phoenix is unique when compared to other parts of the country.  A termiticide that works well in the moist soil(s) of Florida might not work as well in Phoenix and vice versus.

Our experience shows Premise and Termidor kill our native (Arizona) subterranean termites very effectively.  We give Premise a slight edge…eliminating termite colonies in approximately 7-10 days versus 30-90 days for Termidor.  In human terms this difference might seem important but not so in the termite world.  Our native species termite is much smaller in size as is their colonies when compared to other types of termites.

Bills Pest and Termite tracks service calls to retreat a home (Retreat Rate).  Neither product reflects an edge…both are around 1%.  Premise and Termidor seem to last an average of 7 years before requiring a retreat (Phoenix area).  Premise appears to have a slight edge in residual lasting almost two years longer in our Arizona soil.

In the area of safety…Premise is a clear winner with a LD 50 (Lethal dose) rating of 450 versus Termidor’s 59.   Translation…it takes 450 doses of Premise and only 59 doses of Termidor to kill the average lab rat.

Now that the patent on Imidacloprid  (active ingredient in Premise) has expired…more chemical distributors are offering their version of Premise…driving down the price.  Premise is currently running 40% less in cost than Termidor…a savings passed on to the consumer.

Premise moves well in our Arizona soil…using the same amount of product…Premise will cover an area approximately three times that of Termidor.  This is important when you consider the foraging nature of Arizona termites. 

If your home has primarily desert landscaping around the foundation…using Premise will offer better protection.

With the different products now available for termite control and the differences in home construction it’s important that every home be inspected and evaluated by a trained professional to determine the most effective product and method to control termites.

Have questions about termites?  602.308.4510 or  Email us

How do I tell if I have Termites

How do I tell if I have termites?

Most Arizona residents are aware it’s not if…but when…will a termite colony invade their home.

Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage across the country every year.  In northern areas of the country cold weather slows down termite destruction…not in Arizona where mild year round temperatures allow termites to continue their mayhem 24/7.

As you view this page…hundreds to thousands…of Arizona homeowners are unaware their home is under attack by Arizona termites.

The best protection against termite damage is to have your home inspected at least once a year by an experienced termite inspector familiar with all species of termites found in Arizona.

Homeowners should be familiar with some of the obvious signs of termite infestations such as mud tube along outside stem walls, or damage to wood members etc.  Catching a termite infestation early can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in termite damage repair costs.

Bills Pest Termite Control offers free yearly termite inspections…protect your home and call Arizona’s Termite Experts today.

Five signs to tell if you have Arizona termites

Signs of subterranean termites ---

• Flying winged termites (swarmers) are often visible in your home when they swarm, or you may find the wings they have shed.
• Damaged wood has the remains of mud tubes attached to wood tunnels in irregular patterns. White termites are also often found in the infested wood.
• Mud shelter tubes extending from the ground along your foundation or coming out of garage expansion joints are also a sign of termites. Each tube is about the diameter of a lead pencil.

Signs of drywood termites ---

• Salt and pepper-like fecal pellets with six longitudinal ridges are often evident – similar to cricket droppings
• Larger than subterranean termites, drywood termites are dark brown with black wings and a reddish brown head and thorax.

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APB - All Points Bulleting : Be on the lookout for termites

Phoenix area homeowners are advised to be on the lookout for subterranean termites, which are elusive structural felons.  These suspects are wanted in connection with over $2 billion dollars worth of damage caused to homes across the US.

These social insects may be lurking under or near your home waiting for an opportunity to infest.  They are known to make entry into homes through stress cracks, expansion joints or by building shelter tubes along the foundation.

Suspects may be in the form of reproductive’s (kings and queens), soldiers and workers.  A colony can reach maturity in four to five years, with 60,000 to 400,000 workers.  Winged females and males (alates) can emerge in nuptial (swarm) flights.

Typical queens can survive 25 years, creating more than 60,000 eggs.  Her workers are creamy white, soft bodied, wingless and blind.  Living as long as five years, workers provide food for the colony.  They excavate wood, construct tunnels and can cause copious damage.  The blind soldiers are equipped with an elongated brownish head and two jaws to defend the colony.

Damage takes three to eight years, based on normal feeding activity.  In ideal conditions a colony of 60,000 workers can consume a 1 foot long 2 by 4 in 118-157 days.

Pest detectives can locate termite damage using several investigation tools and techniques.  An experience pest detective can determine the type of infesting termite, and the best method for eliminating the invaders.

If you have seen…or have reason to believe these wanted felons are in your neighborhood call the experts @ Bills Pest Termite 602.308.4510