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Termite Treatment: What to do When Termites Strike in Arizona
In the hot, arid climate of Arizona, termites are an unfortunately common nuisance, particularly in the warmer months. Due to the prevalence of termites in the state, it’s important to arm yourself with information regarding their behaviors and life cycles.
What do you need to know about Arizona’s termites? They are social insects with colonies and have a ravenous appetite for wood. They eat in groups, travel through soil and tunnels for food sources, and prefer moisture and darkness. Termite eggs can incubate for up to 28 days. Not all species of termites attack homes; there are plenty of resources available that can help you understand if the termites on your property do before significant damage occurs.
Termites cost property owners over $5 billion annually in the United States alone.
Signs and Symptoms of a Termite Infestation
As the best termite inspection companies will tell you, you should always be on guard against termites so you can stop their damage before it’s too late.
Some common signs of a termite infestation include the presence of discarded wings near windows and doorways, mud tubes in house foundations or walls, cracks in wood that contain visible insect damage, and piles of sawdust or tiny holes in wood structures.
In addition to these physical signs, there may also be loud clicking or rustling noises coming from within the walls, since these are emitted when termites attack the structural elements of your home. If you suspect that your home may have a termite infestation, acting fast to get rid of them will keep your home safe from extensive and costly damage.
Avoiding a Termite Infestation
Keeping your home termite free starts with identifying any potential termite ingress points. Be sure to inspect and repair any foundation cracks or gaps, as these are one of the most common entryways for termites. Also, if there is exterior-wood siding, make sure it is lifted at least six inches from the soil line, and check regularly for any damaged siding that could be an entry point.
Beyond that, check around doors and windows to ensure they are tight fitting and properly sealed. Simple physical barriers like window screens can effectively prevent the entrance of wood-eating pests like termites.
Installing copper mesh around the foundation of your home creates a barrier that deters termites from entering and invading. Copper is known to repel many insect pests. Native bug predators like dragonflies, spiders, and ants are great for controlling termite populations as they will happily feed on termites, so providing them appropriate habitats may discourage termites.
Diet-specific baits are also good for killing large numbers of termites with a single application.
Finally, established trees can play an important part in keeping termite colonies away due to their shallow rooting, so try to maintain existing greenery whenever possible; a healthy garden often plays double duty in providing a natural buffer against invasive species like termites.
Preventing an infestation is key: make sure to get regular termite inspections from a qualified termite control company, seal any cracks in the foundation, repair any damaged wood surfaces or window frames, and pile your firewood well away from your home.
When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service for a Termite Infestation
If you have noticed signs of termites inside your home, it is essential to seek professional help for effective termite treatment. Professional pest control services are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to effectively address the problem without causing further damage.
The most effective method for full termite control involves using a combination of non-repellent insecticides and baiting stations. Non-repellent insecticides create an invisible barrier which termites cannot detect and keeps them away from treated areas.
Baiting station technology specifically targets colonies of subterranean termites that come in contact with the bait material, helping eliminate the infestation from within. This two-step process helps guarantee that, with regular treatment, termites will be eliminated for good.
When termites strike, it is imperative to choose a pest control company with extensive experience in termite treatment. Not only will they be able to answer any questions you may have, but they will also make sure to adopt a proactive approach towards keeping your home safe from future termite infestations.
Looking for a termite inspection company near you? Polite Pest will send out their polite and respectful technicians to inspect for termites in and around your home. If they find any damage brewing, they’ll recommend the best termite treatment while keeping you, your family, and your pets free from harmful chemicals.