Termites Are Everyone’s Problem

At Budget Brothers, we love hearing your questions about common household pests. One of our favorite topics is termites. When it comes down to it, termites are everyone’s problem, as Doreen, a Phoenix resident, recently learned.

Doreen’s question was, “Last week, my neighbor was telling me her husband called Budget Brothers because it looked like termites had been eating the decorative wheelbarrow in their yard. Turns out they had termites and had to get treatment. Is it possible I could have termites too? How can I tell?”

Is My Home at Risk?

If your neighbors have termites, the easy answer to this question is yes. As it turns out, termites are everyone’s problem. This is especially true in Phoenix neighborhoods where homes are close together.

Even though the damage caused by termites is significant, it can sometimes be hard to find them. If your neighbor has found an issue, it’s possible you could have one as well.

Termites prefer to eat wood from the inside out. That’s one of the reasons you may not realize your home or property is infected. They’ll eat anything wooden: house framing, fence posts, decks, tree stumps, and even mulch. But if you’re not looking for them, you may not be aware of the damage they’re silently causing.

Here are some easy ways to determine if your home is at risk of a termite infestation.

Presence of Termite Swarms

During certain times of the year, one very clear indication of termites is swarming. Swarms are composed of young, winged termites leaving established termite colonies to start new ones. Truly, this is a time of “leaving the nest.” Hundreds of young termites fly away in swarms, usually after rains

If you see a swarm of winged insects, then consider that they could be termites. Definitely make a call to Budget Brothers so we can complete a thorough inspection. This is one main reason termites are everyone’s problem: they fly away and may soon call your property home.

Termite Mud Tubes Around Your Home

Another easy-to-spot sign your home has a termite infestation is those telling mud tubes. What you might mistake for a line of dust is really a transportation tunnel. Termites make mud tubes to protect the colony from predators and the elements.

Check to see if it is an active tube by pushing away part of it. If you see activity or, after a few days, the tube has been rebuilt, give us a call.

Damaged, Hollowed-out Wood

Damaged wood is another clear sign of termites in your home. You might find this wood inside, outside, or even near your home. If when tapping wood, it sounds hollow or “different,” that’s your clue.

To minimize incidences, keep outside wood, such as firewood, elevated off the ground. And clean up piles of mulch or wood pieces from the property. To termites, these are a tasty treat.

Termites Are Everyone’s Problem

Since termites swarm, if a neighbor’s home has been affected, it’s likely yours is next in line. Don’t ignore the problems of your community; they might soon be yours! If you hear that a neighbor has termites, then it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection. And if you see any of the telltale signs on your property, definitely call us!

Budget Brothers is your one-stop solution for termites. After all, termites are everyone’s problem, and especially ours. Don’t take chances with your family’s safety or the investment of your home by trying to tackle these pests on your own.

Call Budget Brothers Termite & Pest at 602-253-2495 today or contact us to schedule your inspection.