Living in a climate as dry as Phoenix’s can give homeowners a false sense of security when it comes to termites. These pests may enjoy more humid areas, but they do just fine in our part of the country as well. In fact, of all the calls we get at Northwest Exterminating, the majority of those calls are about termites. With spring upon us, termite activity will increase. If you do not currently have termite protection for your Phoenix home or have reason to believe that termites may have already gotten inside your home, you shouldn’t wait another day to do something about them. Termites are destructive pests that will damage your house. Our spring termite prevention tips for Phoenix homeowners will help you avoid termites and the damage they cause.

termite swarmer and discarded wings

Understanding termite activity in spring

Termites don’t take time off, so there isn’t an off-season for these wood-destroying pests. Even so, spring is often referred to as termite season. This is because spring is usually the time of year when termites mate.

Termites live in colonies that are divided into three castes. Worker termites are in charge of gathering food and caring for the young. Soldier termites are in charge of protecting the colony. Reproductive termites are in charge of reproducing.

Most termite colonies have one queen in charge of laying eggs. Once the colony is large enough, the queen will produce alates, which are winged termites that will leave the nest to mate and start their own colonies. A large group of alates called a termite swarm, will come out in the open, pair up, shed their wings, and return underground to begin new colonies.

Termite swarms usually happen in the spring, so Phoenix homeowners should be able to identify them if they see one. If you see a large group of winged insects that look similar to carpenter ants, or if you see discarded wings, it means that there is a well-established termite colony nearby.

Top termite prevention tips for Phoenix homeowners

Because they are so destructive to wood, you must keep termites out of your house. However, doing so is easier said than done. Instead, it’s wise to assume they could infest your Phoenix home anytime and take the proper precautions to avoid them.

These prevention tips can help you avoid a termite infestation:

  • Seal entry points
    Check for cracks in the foundation and gaps around windows, doors, and vents. If necessary, use weatherstripping and caulking to prevent access.
  • Eliminate wood-to-soil contact
    Ensure wooden elements, like fences, decks, and storage sheds, are not directly touching soil. Elevate wooden objects, structures, and wood piles to avoid direct soil contact.
  • Maintain proper drainage
    Make sure that gutters and downspouts direct water away from your house. Fix any plumbing leaks or moisture problems.
  • Inspect your home regularly
    Routinely check for signs of termite damage or activity, such as mud tubes or hollowed-out wood.
  • Maintain your landscaping
    Trim back shrubs, trees, and other vegetation, especially dead or rotting vegetation, that might attract termites. Use termite-resistant mulch and avoid excessive moisture around the foundation.
  • Implement a termite control plan
    Get a professional termite inspection to check for termite activity and conducive conditions. Then, implement a professional termite control plan that best meets your home's needs.

Professional termite prevention & treatment Services

Although it’s wise to do everything in your power to avoid a termite infestation, the truth is that DIY termite prevention methods are not enough on their own to keep termites out of your house. Professional termite control is the way to go for complete termite protection.

Northwest Exterminating offers comprehensive termite control services to protect homes in Queen Creek, Gilbert, and throughout the Phoenix metro. We provide treatments to target subterranean termites, services to eliminate active termite infestations, and preventative services to ensure termites never get into your house.

Our termite control services include Trelona® ATBS Annual Bait Stations, Termidor® HP II, pre-construction solutions, and borate-based treatments. Our state-certified inspectors will start your service with a thorough inspection of your home and property to determine if termites are present and help you choose the best treatment for your property.

Don’t let a termite problem go unaddressed this spring. Contact Northwest Exterminating for effective, thorough termite control to protect your Phoenix home from damage all year long.