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