How bad are termites?

Globally, there are 3,000 species of termites. Our U.S. State Department actually has a pest management contractor they request to inspect embassies, consulates, and other government-related sites that have problems with termites or other destructive pests.

Jay Nixon has probably seen it all, but he never takes anything for granted. Termites are nothing if not creative.

Governmental Bug-Guy

Termite tubes the size of Great Britain were discovered in Brazil. We may never see record-breaking termite trails in Arizona, but Jay Nixon came close.

He recently inspected an ambassador’s home in another country and thought the ceiling had termites. The ceiling was plywood-covered and painted, but he saw signs of termite activity near a light fixture.

He tugged at pieces of wood and arboreal termites began falling out. He couldn’t imagine how these Floridian-type termites got there. (Arboreal termites prefer bushes and trees to home interiors.)

The gardener had the answer. The arboreal termite nest was in a tree about 60 feet from the home. An incredibly long termite mud tube ran down the tree trunk and followed a root to the side of the house, utilized a small conduit to get to the house then wove up the exterior and entered a second-floor wall. The tube then trailed down to the floor – the first floor’s ceiling – where the termites were feeding.

How Bad Can Termites Be?

Termites’ damage is more than the damage caused by tornados, fire, and floods combined. –TownHustle

Many people discount the damages termites can do. They figure: You see them, you call an exterminator; problem solved. But one study revealed half the homeowners that suspect termite activity do nothing.

• Every year, 600,000 homes are damaged by termites.
• Repairing structural damage costs homeowners an additional $2 billion every year.
• The average homeowner repair expense from termite damage is $3,000-$6,000.
• U.S. homeowners spend $5-6 billion every year to control termites.

What if you don’t see termites or signs of termite activity?

Older homes may have attics and crawlspaces owners seldom visit and never clean. The areas haven’t been inspected since the home was purchased and that can be many, many years ago in some cases.

Signs of Termite Damage in Arizona Homes

If you see:

• Cracked/peeling paint on walls
• Cracks/small holes in walls
• Mud tubes
• Rusty places on ceilings/floors/walls
• Sagging ceilings/floors
• Small insect wings in corners/on windowsills

…You need to schedule a termite inspection. Tap your walls and listen. A behind-the-wall termite infestation has a hollow sound.

“These symptoms show much later than the original damage,” says researcher Thomas Johnson. Here in Maricopa County, we mainly have subterranean termites, so what you see isn’t what you get. The underground colony could harbor millions more termites.

Termites Arizona’s #1 Urban Pest

Termites can do a ton of damage over a long period of time before you even notice them. –

Owner | Budget Brothers Termite

If you own residential or commercial property in Arizona, you have to deal with termites. Interestingly, a University of Arizona study said, “Termites are quite secretive.” They want to work undetected as long as possible.

Learn about them and practice termite preventive housekeeping and yard maintenance. React quickly if you suspect a termite infestation. The best thing you can do is schedule an annual termite inspection with Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination.

We’re happy to serve as Phoenix pest control knowledge experts, so call us with questions. Contact Budget Brothers to learn more.