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What To Do About Termites In Your New Home in AZ
Buying your own home should feel like a dream come true. Of course, there are stressful moments like dealing with the paperwork, inspections, insurance, and everything else that goes along with moving. Despite the challenges of purchasing a home, it will seem worthwhile once you’re settled in. At least that’s the best-case scenario. However, most homes have a few quirks, and new homeowners often encounter a few surprises during the honeymoon phase. Perhaps the water heater can’t quite keep up or there may be a cupboard door in the kitchen that just won’t sit right.
What seems like a simple home repair project can turn out to be a major problem. Adjusting that cupboard door could reveal an alarming underlying problem like termites. Termite damage is very serious and can weaken the structural stability of your home. Arizona is home to over a dozen different species, but only a few subterranean and drywood termites are known for damaging property. Due to Arizona’s temperate climate, they remain active all year long and are most active during the rainy season when the ground is soft.
Signs Of An Infestation
Homeowners should know the signs of an infestation and be prepared to take quick action against these destructive pests. Here’s what to look out for:
- Swarmers or discarded wings. Termites don’t generally fly, except for the young reproductives that leave the nest looking to start a new colony. They generally take flight after a humid rainstorm. Finding discarded wings in your home can mean a serious, hidden issue.
- Mud tubes. Subterranean termites build mud tubes, usually near the foundation of a home, to provide them with moisture while traveling between their colony and food sources.
- Wood damage. This sounds obvious but may be difficult to detect because they damage the wood from the inside out. Look for warped or blistering wood or check for a hollow sound by tapping on it.
- Uneven or bubbling paint. This is usually caused by moisture damage, which can result from an infestation.
- Frass (droppings). Their waste resembles wood dust, so be wary of unexplained messes near baseboards and windowsills.
Taking swift action can spare you from expensive and disruptive repairs
This is especially important because most homeowners’ insurance policies DO NOT cover termite damage. Before you take the leap to purchase your home, make sure you have a thorough termite inspection that analyzes everything from the ground up and don’t forget to read the fine print on your homeowner’s insurance policy. After you get settled in, do your research, and invest in a local pest control expert for preventative maintenance because it’s way easier to stop an infestation before it begins than to be left cleaning up the mess after. If you’re in the Mesa area, call Desert Castle Pest Control for a consultation today. We are the top-rated termite control company and also treat for other pests such as bed bugs, fire ants, and scorpions.