How Big Are Termites in Arizona?
Termites are wood-devouring pests that can cause a lot of damage to homes in Arizona. These insects come from the soil into the wood in your home and attack the structure. They can be particularly dangerous when they attack the subflooring. They also attack insulation and beams.
Termites live in colonies that can contain up to 100,000 individual termites. They are social insects that forage for food, defend the colony against invaders, and lay eggs. The queen controls the colony. She may live up to 100 years. There are several species of termites in Arizona.
Desert subterranean termites are the most common type of termites in Arizona. They are found in canyons, sand dunes, and rivers. They are a little less destructive than other types of termites. They are dark brown to black and about 1/3 inch long without wings. They can be damaging to utility poles, structures, and timbers. They are also known to build mud tubes that help them survive.
Drywood termites are another type of termite that can be destructive to your home. They are a bit different than Arizona subterranean termites. They rely on wood with a high moisture content. They are often transported outside of their normal range by infested furniture or picture frames. They are not native to Arizona, but they are commonly transported by human activity.
There are 18 termite species in Arizona. They include Western Drywood, Desert, and Gila termites. Each species has its own unique requirements for survival.