Termites: The Silent Destroyer – Trust NaturZone Pest Control as Your Phoenix Termite Exterminator
Termites are among the most destructive pests that can infest your home or business. They are known as the silent destroyer because they can eat away at the structural integrity of your property without you even knowing. Termites are social insects that live in large colonies, and they can cause extensive damage in a very short period of time. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at termites and what you can do to prevent and treat an infestation. And if you’re in Phoenix, NaturZone Pest Control can help you as your trusted termite exterminator.
Identifying Termites
Termites are small, soft-bodied insects that can range in size from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. They have straight antennae, a thick waist, and two pairs of wings that are equal in size. You may also see termite swarmers, which are winged termites that leave the nest in search of a new place to start a colony. They are often mistaken for flying ants, but there are several differences between the two. Termites have straight antennae, while ants have bent antennae. Termites also have a thick waist and no visible “neck,” while ants have a constricted waist.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Termites can cause extensive damage to your property, but the signs of an infestation may not always be apparent. Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Mud tubes: Termites build mud tubes to travel from their nest to a food source. These tubes are typically found along the foundation of your property or in crawl spaces.
- Wood damage: Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving behind long grooves and galleries. You may notice damage to wooden structures such as floors, walls, and furniture.
- Swarmers: As previously mentioned, termite swarmers are winged termites that leave the nest in search of a new place to start a colony. If you see these flying insects around your property, it could be a sign of a termite infestation.
Preventing a Termite Infestation
Prevention is the best defense against a termite infestation. Here are a few tips to help keep termites away from your property:
- Remove wood piles: Termites are attracted to wood, so it’s important to keep firewood, lumber, and other wooden materials away from your property.
- Fix leaks: Termites need moisture to survive, so fixing any leaks in your home or business can help deter them from entering.
- Store mulch away from your home: Mulch can provide a source of food and moisture for termites, so it’s best to keep it away from the foundation of your property.
If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, it’s important to take action right away! If you would like to have NaturZone perform a free inspection because you think you may have termites, feel free to call 602-476-1088 and ask to talk to our termite manager, Jeffrey.