Termites In Tucson: How To Identify And Get Rid Of Them

Termites date back to the time of the dinosaurs and are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability to damage property undetected. Every year, these pests cause more than five billion dollars in property damage across the U.S., most of which is not covered by homeowners’ insurance policies.  If you believe you are seeing signs of termites, it’s important to seek help from a Tucson pest control company like Conquistador Pest & Termite.

New colonies begin showing up in early spring, so this is the optimal time to seek help from a termite expert near you.

How To Identify Termite Damage

Identification of termite damage in Tucson by an untrained individual is not always easy, although, through vigilance, homeowners may be able to recognize the presence of an infestation by the presence of certain signs of termite damage.

If you suspect you may have termites, here are a few signs to assist when you need to know how to check for termites:

• There may be mud tubes on the exterior of the home. These tubes are used by termites to reach a food source.
• There may be soft wood in the home which sounds hollow when tapped.
• Look for darkening or blistering of wood structures.
• Bubbling or uneven paint may be a sign of termite damage.
• Small piles of feces resembling sawdust may appear near a termite nest.
• You may find discarded wings near doors or on windowsills. These wings indicate termite swarmers have entered the house. A termite “swarmer” is a reproductive member of a colony, often mistaken for flying ants.

Finding signs of termite damage means that it’s time to contact a pest professional for Tucson termite control before more damage occurs.

Why Termites Infest And Destroy Wooden Structures

Termites live in colonies, feeding on wood and other dead plant matter, and share their origin with other wood-eating insects, with recent studies suggesting that they may have evolved from cockroaches, estimating the divergence took place during the late Jurassic period.

Termites are considered detritivores, meaning they consume dead plants at any level of decomposition, playing vital roles in the ecosystem by recycling waste materials such as plants and dead wood. Many species of termites produce methane as a byproduct of their consumption of cellulose, and they are considered a prime source of atmospheric methane that is produced by the breakdown of cellulose in their bodies.

Termites in Tucson are drawn to various types of wood depending on the species, such as dry wood or damp wood, so speaking with professional pest control is the best way to get rid of termites in Tucson. The most common groups of termites Tucson faces each year are the subterranean termite and the drywood termite. These termites are two of the most destructive wood-destroying insects and a colony can number from several hundred to several million individuals.

Factors That Attract Termites To Your Home

Pinpointing what is attracting them is the first step in how to get rid of termites in your Tucson home. They eat wood and vegetable matter and are drawn to structures and landscapes that contain wood and other materials that provide them with a source of food and water. They may infest trees or landscape elements close to buildings and move to infest the buildings themselves.

The Best Thing To Do If You Spot Signs Of Termite Damage

Conquistador Pest & Termite can help you rid yourself of termites. Contact us for a free estimate and one of our expert pest management professionals will inspect your property to discuss methods to help protect your home from termite infestations and damage.