Termites
What is a Termite?
Termites are small, winged insects that live in colonies underground. They feed on wood and other plant materials and can cause severe damage to buildings and other structures if left unchecked. There are several species of termites, but the most common in the United States is the Eastern subterranean termite.
Termites are often mistaken for ants, but the two have several key differences. Termites have straight antennae, while ants have elbowed antennae. Termites also have a uniform body shape, while ants have a narrow waist. Finally, termites’ wings are all the same size, while ant wings are different (the front wings are more significant than the back wings).
If you think you may have a termite problem, it is essential to contact Horn Pest Management for an inspection and treatment. Do not try to treat the problem yourself, as this can often make things worse.
Different Termites in Arizona
There are several different types of termites in Arizona. The most common is the desert subterranean termite, which is found throughout the state. Other common types include drywood termite, dampwood termite, and Formosan termite.
Subterranean Termite
The desert subterranean termite is the most common type of termite in Arizona. These termites live in underground colonies and feed on wood and other plant materials. If left unchecked, they can cause severe damage to buildings and other structures.
Subterranean Termites are by far the most prolific and can be found all over Arizona. Living in massive colonies, this termite constantly searches for new food sources. Once a colony locates a suitable food source, they begin to inflict significant damage to the wood and drywall with their voracious appetites.
Drywood Termite
The drywood termite is another common type of termite in Arizona. These termites live in dry, wooded areas and feed on dead or dying trees. If left unchecked, they can cause damage to buildings and other structures.
Since they are not as dependent on moisture as their subterranean cousins, most of their life is spent inside the wood they infest and devour. This termite tends to consume wood at a slower rate, but this does not mean that they do not pose a severe threat to the structural integrity of your home. The presence of this particular pest often goes undetected for long periods. They multiply and spread throughout and in all the wooden components of your home. The Drywood termite, as it digests, extracts every bit of moisture present in the wood it is eating. Believe it. Dry wood provides enough liquid for a termite to survive with no other water source. After this process, a small pellet with slight grooves on its sides remains. When enough of these pellets accumulate in the cavities these termites create, the overflow becomes an obvious and accurate indicator that this is the species of termite with which you are contending.
Dampwood Termite
The dampwood termite is another common type of termite in Arizona. These termites live in damp, wooded areas and feed on dead or dying trees. If left unchecked, they can cause damage to buildings and other structures. However, unlike most termite species, dampwood termites in Arizona infest living trees, especially citrus trees. In addition, some studies show that dampwood termites can facilitate the spread of fungal decay to new wood sources.
Formosan Termite
The Formosan termite is not common type of termite in Arizona. These termites were initially from China and were introduced to the United States through military ships during World War II. They live in underground colonies and feed on wood and other plant materials. If left unchecked, they can cause severe damage to buildings and other structures.
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