Termites are often called the “silent destroyer” because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your basement or yard without any immediate signs of damage. Living in colonies that, at maturity, can number from several hundred to several million individuals. These bugs are generally grouped according to their feeding behavior. Thus, the commonly used general groupings are subterranean, soil-feeding, drywood, dampwood, and grass-eating.
Here in Tucson Arizona, we often face two of the most problematic groups of termites, the subterranean and drywood. These pests are the most destructive insects of wood, causing more than $1.7 billion in damages and cost of control each year in the U.S. alone.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites, also referred to as “white ants” due to their pale or whitish color, cause about 95% of the termite-related damage found in the United States. They seek shelter in the soil, which provides optimal temperatures and moisture for their survival.
A common trait of this pest is their habit of building shelter tubes when they have to venture over any exposed areas. These “mud tubes” are noticeable in heavy infestations, allowing the termites to cross exposed surfaces without being seen. They tunnel from the ground and come up through the slab or the outside of your home to get to the wood and paper products making up the structure.
With their method of infestation starting at the ground level, it is easier to prevent subterranean termites than drywood termite infestations.
Drywood Termites
These pests are social insects that live in colonies in sound, dry wood. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites require no contact with the soil or with any other source of moisture. This has enabled them to adapt well to human habitation. They find an ideal habitat in the dry wooden frames, beams, and furniture in homes and buildings. They get their nutrition from the cellulose in the wood.
Drywood termites enter structures through attic or foundation vents, directly through or under wood shingles, under eaves and fascia boards, and through natural cracks, checks and joints in exposed wood trim, window and door frames and sills.
Drywood termite colonies tend to be much smaller than subterranean termite colonies, but can be detected by the presence of their feces pellet. The characteristic drywood termite feces pellets can usually be seen accumulated as piles around infested wood and are usually the first evidence of a drywood termite infestation.
Bug Control in Tucson
Termites are active and widespread across Southern Arizona, including Tucson, which means the potential for damage is considered significant. It is essential to maintain an effective pest control program. If you own a home, talk to a Conquistador Pest Control expert about getting a pest inspection and methods to help protect your home from termite infestations and damage.
Conquistador Pest can help you with your termite control and weed control.
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