Termites are a common pest in the Phoenix area that can cause serious damage to homes if left untreated. As a Phoenix resident, it’s important to be aware of the signs of termite infestation and take preventative measures to protect your home. In this blog post, we’ll discuss Termite Inspection in Phoenix and everything Phoenix residents need to know about these destructive pests.

What Are Termites?

Termites are a type of insect that feed on cellulose, which is found in wood, paper products, and plant fibers. There are different types of termites, but the most common species found in Arizona are subterranean termites and drywood termites.

Subterranean termites live underground and form large colonies that can contain several million members. They build mud tubes from their underground nests up to the wood sources they are feeding on. Drywood termites live inside the wood they are infesting and do not need contact with soil. They have smaller colonies of only a few hundred or thousand termites.

Both types of termites can cause major structural damage if left untreated. They feed on wood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, causing wood to become severely compromised over time. Signs of an infestation include hollowed wood, mud tubes, and frass, which is fecal pellets and debris left behind by termites.

Why Termite Inspection in Phoenix is Important

It is extremely important for Phoenix homeowners to have their property inspected for termites. Termites can go undetected in a home for years, slowly eating away at the wood framing. By the time signs of an infestation appear, they may have already caused extensive damage.

Termite Inspection in Phoenix services use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to check for termites inside the home and in the surrounding soil. A trained inspector will look for signs of activity and tap on wood surfaces to listen for hollow areas that may indicate hidden damage. Ground radar can also be used to detect termites underneath concrete slabs without disturbing the structure.

Inspections should be done annually as preventative maintenance. Any wood-to-ground contact points around the exterior of the home should also be inspected. Catching an infestation early allows for less invasive treatments to eliminate the termites before they destroy your home’s structure.

When to Schedule Termite Inspection in Phoenix

The best time of year for Termite Inspection in Phoenix is during the spring after the ground has thawed. This allows inspectors to check thoroughly for subterranean termite activity. Arizona’s dry climate enables termites to be active year-round, so inspections can be performed at any time.

Homeowners should schedule an inspection immediately if they notice any possible signs of termites, including:

• Mud tubes on foundation walls or piers
• Hollow spots in wood surfaces
• Crumbling drywall or wood
• Buckling floors
• Sawdust-like frass near wood

Annual inspections are recommended for all Phoenix homeowners as part of routine maintenance. Homes more than 10 years old or that have not been previously treated for termites are at higher risk and should be inspected more frequently.

What to Expect During Termite Inspection in Phoenix

A thorough Termite Inspection in Phoenix consists of two main components – an interior and exterior inspection.

The interior inspection checks for signs of infestation inside the home. The termite inspector will visually examine walls, floors, ceilings, doors, window frames and wood trim. Probing tools are used to tap on surfaces and listen for damaged areas. Attics, crawl spaces, basements and porches are closely checked.

For the exterior inspection, the inspector will walk the perimeter of the home looking for mud tubes on the foundation and other termite activity. Soil around concrete slabs and wood pilings will be probed for underground tunnels. Radar scanning can provide detailed mapping of potential trouble spots under slabs.

Your inspector may also recommend using a termite detection dog to sniff out termites. These specially trained dogs can pinpoint exactly where termites are active in the home. The inspection process usually takes 2-3 hours for the average single family home.

Treatment Options After Termite Inspection in Phoenix

If termites are found during the inspection, the next step is deciding on a treatment method to eliminate the infestation. There are several options available:

Liquid Soil Treatment

This involves applying termiticide to form an insecticidal barrier around the home’s foundation. Treatment is injected into the soil where termites are active. It provides residual protection against future attacks.

Bait Systems

Termite bait uses wood laced with slow-acting toxins placed strategically around the home. Foraging termites consume the bait and transfer the toxins back to the rest of the colony, resulting in elimination.

Heat Treatment

Large heating units are used to raise the temperature to 130-140°F in infested wood. The high heat kills termites and eggs. No chemicals are used in this treatment method.

Wood Repair/Replacement

Severely damaged wood may need to be repaired or replaced if it cannot be treated. Fumigation is also an option for whole-structure treatment in severe infestations. Your Termite Inspection in Phoenix company can recommend the best option tailored to your situation.

Preventing Termite Infestations

The key to protecting your Phoenix home from termites is prevention. Here are some tips to help deter termites:

• Eliminate wood-to-ground contact by ensuring proper clearance under siding or stucco.
• Only use treated landscape timbers in gardens.
• Keep firewood, tree stumps, and debris far from the home’s foundation.
• Fix leaking faucets, pipes or standing water near the home.
• Ensure downspouts and gutters channel water away from the house.
• Seal cracks in foundation and repair water damage.
• Store cardboard boxes and other cellulose materials off the ground.

Regular Termite Inspection in Phoenix is also essential to catch infestations early before major damage occurs. Be proactive and schedule annual inspections to protect your property.

Why Choose a Professional for Termite Inspection in Phoenix?

Trying to inspect for termites yourself is difficult and unreliable. Termite Inspection in Phoenix requires specialized tools and an expert eye to spot signs of infestation. Professional inspectors have extensive knowledge of termite behavior and biology to inform their inspections.

They also have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic technology not available to homeowners. This includes ground penetrating radar, moisture meters, infrared cameras and more. Professional inspectors are licensed and have the proper insurance and liability coverage.

Don’t risk missing a termite infestation – have your home inspected by a qualified Termite Inspection in Phoenix company. They provide a detailed inspection report and can answer any questions you have about protecting your home.

The Bottom Line

Termites pose a serious threat to Phoenix homes if left undetected. But with annual Termite Inspection in Phoenix, you can catch infestations early before costly damage occurs. Professional inspections also provide peace of mind that your home is free of these destructive pests.

Safeguard your valuable property with a Termite Inspection in Phoenix service you can trust. Don’t let termites eat away at your home – be proactive and get a thorough inspection this spring!