Termite Treatment & Termite Control Services
Termite Control Treatment Around Phoenix, AZ and Las Vegas, NV
Similar to cockroaches, termites are known to be some of the oldest and most successful insects on earth. Perhaps this long legacy gives termites their astounding tenacity and adaptability. Unlike cockroaches, however, a termite will exhibit complex and rigid social interactions in a colony. Particular tasks are performed by different individuals specialized for the purpose. Most of the time, termites’ main mission (to the dismay of homeowners) is consuming or chewing through wood—making this pest incredibly destructive to houses, commercial buildings, and other structures.
Think you have termites wreaking havoc and causing damage on your Phoenix, Arizona or Las Vegas property? Don’t delay: Call or contact Burns Pest Elimination before these wood-eating pests have the chance to cause severe damage to your home or property.
What Do Termites Look Like?
Most termite species in the Southwest, like Phoenix, are subterranean, meaning they live underground. Subterranean termites are social insects that live in colonies in the soil. These colonies contain three forms: reproductives, workers, and soldiers. This type of termite derives its nutrition from wood and other material containing cellulose.
Identifying features of termites include:
- Size ranging between 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch long
- Color varies by species, from white to cream-colored or coal-black to pale yellow-brown
- Can be winged or wingless
- Have constant contact with the soil or other above-ground moisture sources
What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?
Around Phoenix, AZ, termites’ primary moisture source is the soil. Any wood-to-soil contact is a possible site of entry into a home, especially soil containing higher moisture. Termites build long tubes out of mud and fecal material. These mud tubes are called exploratory tubes, which are easy to see and one of the best ways to identify a potential termite infestation.
Once a source of wood has been located, termites build more permanent utility or working tubes. The utility tubes serve as a highway running from the underground termite gallery directly to the food source. These working tubes can cover long distances over the foundation of a building or along interior/exterior walls to reach the cellulose on their own.
Subterranean termites like moisture and position themselves near or underneath good food sources, such as your home. Because this type of termite prefers to stay where it is dark and damp, it can be difficult to detect these insect pests. Here are some signs and traces of termites to look for in Phoenix and Las Vegas:
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are the easiest sign to spot. These pencil-width paths lead from the nest directly to your home and make it easy for termites to avoid sunlight. Check these in the surrounding land, crawlspaces, and basements of your property.
Termite Swarms
Reproductive termites grow wings and fly during spring and fall. They will shed their wings once done swarming, which you may see in piles or around your home. Note that flying termites and flying ants are very similar in appearance; call a termite control professional to correctly identify which insect you have.
Piles
Drywood termites—which do not require as much moisture to survive and will not be connected to the ground or soil like subterranean termites—leave sawdust-like piles around windowsills and cracks in woodwork or beams. You might also see what looks like collections of dirt at the base of walls and in corners.
What Termite Treatment Options Are Available?
Altriset®
As a liquid termiticide, Altriset® provides almost immediate as well as long-term residual control. Altriset is sprayed around the entire foundation of your home, making it nearly impossible for termites to avoid when foraging toward your building to feed. Once a termite comes in contact with Altriset, their mouthparts become paralyzed within hours, stopping them from causing destruction to your home or business. Because Altriset is easily shared among termite colony members, you can expect great results within three months.
Termidor®
With Termidor®, the active ingredient is Fipronil, which is unique in that it can be transferred from one termite to another through contact and trophallaxis (communal feeding). This allows it to affect more termites than only those that contact the chemical directly.
Sentricon Always Active®
The Sentricon® System with Always Active® technology is the newest innovation in proven termite colony elimination. This high-quality bait contains Noviflumuron. Always Active technology gives homeowners peace of mind by beginning the termite colony elimination process without delay. Always Active technology featuring Recruit HD termite bait is immediately available to termites when they enter the stations, and it remains available all the time to eliminate termite colonies and protect against future termite invasions.
How Can You Prevent Termites in Arizona?
Remove Dampness and Excess Moisture
- Eliminate standing water in gutters, puddles, or other areas where moisture might gather on or near your Arizona home.
- Repair any plumbing or drainage problems.
- Check for leaks in outdoor faucets and gutters.
- Ventilate crawlspaces to regulate humidity.
- Consider laying down plastic barriers in crawlspaces, basements, and attics to help keep these areas dry.
Eliminate Easy Termite Food Sources
- Remove lumber or freestanding wood from the base of your house.
- Clip away any vegetation, such as shrubs, that might be touching the foundation or exterior walls.
- Avoid planting trees or other large plants too close to your home.
Close off Cracks, Crevices, and Openings
Any hole or open space at the exterior of your home is an open invitation for termites to invade. Repair and seal cracks, voids, or other potential entry points with caulk in the foundation, walls, basement, etc.
Pest Control Service
Have your house inspected each year by a pest control and termite control professional. It doesn’t take long and may save you time and money in the long run. It could even save your Arizona home!
Schedule Pest Control for Termite Elimination ASAP
If you notice any of the above indications of termites in your home or business, reach out to your local pest control company for an inspection immediately. You can never play it too safe when it comes to a potential termite infestation; early detection is the best way to protect your building from further structural damage.
Fortunately, Burns Pest Elimination has a trained team of technicians and termite control experts in the Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada areas who know what to look for and how to handle time-sensitive termite infestations. Don’t ignore the signs: At the first suspicion of a termite presence in your space, contact us or request your free quote for termite treatment online now to get started with pest control service.