How to Treat for Termites in Arizona

Use a field guide to properly identify termites.

Termites are a common enemy in Arizona homes and can be extremely destructive to property. While termites primarily feed on wood they may also damage books, insulation, swimming pool liners and filtration systems and even injure living trees and shrubs. Termites are sometimes called "white ants" because of their close resemblance to ants and their pale complexion and many people still confuse other insects as termites. Learning how to properly identify, control and treat termites is necessary to avoid termite infestations and damage.

Things You'll Need

• Field guide
• Bug screens
• Exterminator

Instructions

1. Find out if you really have termites at home by using field guides to properly identify the insects. It is possible that you only have ants or any other insects of the same physical features. Look for signs of infestation such as fecal pellets on widow sills and discarded wings caught up in cobwebs.

2. Examine the exterior of your house and check which areas are infested with termites. Usually, termites stay on the eaves and wooden sidings of the house. Sometimes they also breed within the exterior trim. Window and door frames are also possible areas, even stair cases and trellises.

3. Prevent dry wood manifestation by removing all possible feeding and breeding grounds such as firewood, stored lumber and dead trees. Use bug screens in your vents and attics to prevent them from coming into the house.

4. Call a professional termite exterminator. Ridding a home of termites requires special knowledge of building construction and special equipment. A typical termite treatment will require hundreds of gallons of pesticide to be injected into precise areas of the home. The ground surrounding the home will also require treatment. There are several termite extermination companies in most Arizona cities that will help you fumigate and get rid of all the termites in your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you choose a local pest control company, contact several and get estimates to make sure you get the best price.

References

• CSIRO: Termite or 'White Ant' Treatment and Prevention
• University of Kentucky; "Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners"; Mike Potter
• University of Arizona; "Drywood Termites"; Dawn H. Gouge, et al.; June 2001