Most people have come across drywood termites that are the standard invasive species eating the woods inside the house. However, a totally different species of termites also exist, known as subterranean termites, that can destroy the house from top to bottom.
Subterranean termites: An introduction
Subterranean termites are particularly common in the southeastern parts of the United States, but can also be found in Arizona and the Southwest. These termites like to feed on moist wood located on the ground. They are especially fond of studs and other part of the house that have been exposed to moisture.
Unlike drywood termites, the subterranean termites tend to reside on the ground. They come out enjoy feasting on wood structure of the house before going back into the tunnels. A tell-tale sign of these invaders include mud tunnels that they build from their underground home to the moist wood that they like to eat. The tunnels protect them from predators and also from drying out.
How to protect your home against a subterranean termite infestation
Keep soil, stacked wood, and other debris away from the foundation of the home. This will reduce the chances of subterranean termites infecting your house.
You should look for mud tunnels that indicate the presence of the termite infestation. Look at the foundation of the home to find out whether mud shelter tubes are present.
The termite shelter tubes are hollow soil tunnels that extend from the sold to the house. It serves as a tunnel through which termites travel and carry the food supply. In case you find this unusual mud structure, you should let a professional exterminator examine your house.
An important point to keep in mind is that once the property has been treated of termite infestation, you should not think that the termites won’t attack the house again. Annual inspection of the property by a professional is important as it will ensure that the house becomes protected from the scourge of subterranean infestation.
Call Arizona’s Best Choice for help from a professional
If you suspect that your house has been infected with subterranean infestation, the first thing that you should do is to call a termite control company. The professional will inspect the property and take instant action to remove the termite infestation from the house.
Suspect that you have termites? Give us a call!
To get in touch with professional subterranean termite control experts in the area of Arizona, you can contact Arizona’s Best Choice Pest & Termite Services. We use environmentally friendly products to clean the pests. All our treatments are safe and approved by the EPA.