Among the myriad of things on your mind during the recent holiday season, it’s safe to say termites were probably not at the top of your list. But due to increased rainfall and warmer than average fall temperatures, local termite activity has spiked in recent months. “I’ve never seen so much termite activity in Tucson,” says Ken Frederick, pest control professional of over 30 years. With holiday preparations behind us, it’s a good time to focus on prevention of termite damage to our homes.
Is Termite Damage Seasonal?
Since termites are more active during warmer months, it’s tempting to think we can safely put off checking for termites. But unfortunately, Arizona’s weather conditions allow termites to survive and thrive all year long. As temperatures drop, these cold-blooded insects begin searching for warmer areas. Drywood termites seek the shelter of dry wood, in dead tree stumps or worse, in your home. Subterranean termites burrow underground, sometimes 18 inches or more, where they are sheltered from the cold. Thus sheltered, they breed. And unlike other cold climates, the temperatures are rarely cold enough to kill them. You could say Arizona’s weather is the “perfect storm” for termite infestations.Termite Damage Can Reduce Your Home Value
In addition to attacking the structural integrity of your home, termites are also known to eat away at your home’s monetary value. According to real estate experts, a record of termite infestation can reduce the resale value of a home, even years after the infestation has been controlled. But if you’ve experienced an infestation, don’t despair. A termite report which shows the home to be free of infestation and discloses treatments that have been applied can go a long way to reassure potential buyers. And while we hate to be the bearer of bad news, it should also be noted that termite damage is not typically covered by homeowners insurance. So please don’t rely on insurance to handle any problems. The best way to approach termites is proactively.Get a Free Termite Inspection
There’s a saying in the pest control industry. “There are two types of homes in Tucson. Those that have termites and those that don’t have them yet.” In Tucson, it’s not so much a matter of if you will find them, it’s a matter of when. No wonder termites are considered Arizona’s number one pest. These tiny pests can cause massive amounts of damage—over $5 billion annually throughout the United States, according to the National Pest Management Association. If you’re looking for signs of termites, a few things you can watch for:- Bubbling drywall
- Hollow or weak baseboards
- Shelter tubes
- Windows or doors that are hard to open
- Insects that look like white ants
