Termites in Arizona: The Three Types and How to Identify Them
Did you know that there are more than 2,700 named termite species in the world? Of those, about 45 species live in the United States, and 30 of those cause damage to wood and wood products, according to the University of Arizona.
Here in Arizona, there are about 17 species of termites present, but they sort into three groups that matter to homeowners: dampwood termites, drywood termites, and subterranean termites. Knowing which type of termite you’re dealing with matters because each group behaves differently and may require different treatment approaches. Learning the basic characteristics of Arizona’s three main termite groups can also help you recognize potential activity before it becomes a larger concern.
Read on to learn more about each of these groups, how to identify them, and what damage they can cause. If you live in the Phoenix area and need help with termite control, contact us to get your free quote. We have offices in Phoenix and Gilbert, which allow us to serve everywhere from Mesa to Scottsdale and Surprise. We also have an office in Tucson and serve the entire area, including Marana and Oro Valley.
Types of Termites Found in Arizona
If you’re searching for the different types of termites in Arizona, it helps to focus on where each species lives and how it gets into a home. Dampwood, drywood and subterranean termites all consume cellulose, but their preferred environments and behaviors are quite different. Understanding those differences can make potential termite signs easier to recognize and give you a better idea of when to call professionals.
The biggest distinction is between termites that live in or near the soil and those that establish colonies directly in wood. Subterranean termites depend heavily on soil and moisture, while drywood termites can live entirely within dry wood. Dampwood termites, as their name suggests, are associated with moist wood and are generally less widespread as a residential concern in Arizona.
Dampwood Termites
In Arizona, dampwood termites are not considered a widespread problem, but can cause damage under some conditions. They typically infest wood at or slightly below ground level, and attack the moist wood of living trees and shrubs. They do not build aboveground mud shelter tubes to reach food sources and do not live underground.
In Arizona, dampwood termites often attack citrus trees and desert shrubs, and use the sap as moisture. Dampwood termite nymphs are up to ¾-inch long, while swarmers can reach up to 1 inch in length.
Because dampwood termites rely on moisture, their presence can indicate underlying moisture issues on the property. Leaking irrigation, damaged wood or persistently damp areas can create conditions that are more favorable to these termites.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are considered a more widespread problem in Arizona. They can infest wood that is not in contact with the ground. They do not live underground and do not construct mud tubes. Infestations can occasionally be found in furniture or other wood products. They typically attack all forms of dry, sound wood aboveground.
Like all termites, drywoods produce winged swarmers. What sets them apart is when they fly: drywood swarms happen in daylight on warm summer days and aren’t triggered by rain, unlike the desert subterranean termite, which swarms at night during monsoon season.
Drywood termites are very easy to identify, although their infestations are harder to detect. They are larger than subterranean termites by about half an inch. Soldiers have large jaws, and adult bodies are two-toned, with a brown head and thorax and a brownish-black abdomen. Drywood termites are often found around doors and windowsills. A good indication of drywood termite infestation is the presence of dry, hard fecal pellets that form small piles.
Because drywood termites can establish colonies in dry wood without contact with the soil, infestations can remain hidden in structural wood or wooden household items. That makes small piles of dry fecal pellets, also called frass, an important clue to watch for.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites have the biggest impact on Arizona homeowners. The group includes several desert species, but the Arizona termite species responsible for most structural damage here is Heterotermes aureus, the desert subterranean termite. They get their name from living underground and using the soil as a source of moisture. To access a food source above ground, these termites construct mud tubes composed of fecal matter, soil, and wood chips. If you see these tubes in or around your home, chances are you have a subterranean termite problem.
Subterranean termites are voracious eaters and can digest cellulose, a tough plant fiber. Wood is their primary food source, and they spend most of their time hunting for it, even sacrificing sleep. In arid areas, subterranean termites typically eat many types of wood, including cactus ribs and desert trees. When homes are built in desert areas, termites often attack human structures in search of food. When looking for food or water and infesting a home, termites can damage many other materials, including paper products, insulation, pool liners, stucco, and non-synthetic carpet.
Subterranean termite colonies are made up of different castes, each with a specific role. Workers feed the colony and gather food, soldiers defend it, and the reproductive queen and king produce offspring. Winged swarmers, called alates, may also be present in established colonies. They leave to establish new colonies elsewhere, and homeowners may notice them flying or find their discarded wings after mating.
This helps explain why seeing even a small number of termites can be significant. The termites you see may represent only a small portion of a much larger colony.
Subterranean Termite Swarms
Winged adult swarms typically take place during the monsoon season from July to September. Winged adults are a pale yellowish-brown, about half an inch long with wings. Soldier termites are usually about ¼-inch long, with nearly straight jaws. The head is rectangular in shape.
Wood with a honeycombed appearance, as well as mud tubes protruding through walls, ceilings or floors, are signs of a subterranean termite infestation. Use a good flashlight and look for tubes along your home’s foundation wall at the soil line, cracks in concrete floors, or places where pipes and ducts enter your home. If you tap infested wood with a screwdriver, it will sound hollow. The screwdriver may also break through the wood if the damage is extensive.
How to Tell Termites Apart: Dampwood Termites vs Subterranean Termites
Dampwood and subterranean termites can both be associated with moisture, but their living habits provide an important clue. Dampwood termites typically infest moist wood and do not live underground or construct mud tubes to reach food. Subterranean termites live in the soil and use mud tubes to travel between their colony and aboveground food sources.
If you find termites or termite-like insects around your property, location and evidence of activity can help narrow down what you’re seeing. However, professional identification is the best way to confirm which species are involved.
Signs You May Have an Arizona Termite Infestation
Different termite species can leave different clues, so it’s helpful to know what evidence to look for. Around your home, watch for mud tubes along foundations, discarded wings after swarming, dry fecal pellets near wooden materials or wood that appears hollow, damaged or honeycombed.
Pay attention to where you find the signs, too. Mud tubes near the foundation can point toward subterranean termite activity, while small piles of frass around dry wood may indicate drywood termites. Swarming termites around windows, doors, or other light sources can also be a reason to schedule an inspection.
If you find evidence that concerns you, a professional inspection can help determine whether termites are active and identify areas that may need protection.
Preventing Termite Damage in Your Arizona Home
Termite prevention starts with reducing the conditions that make your property attractive or accessible to termites. Keep wood, cardboard and mulch away from the foundation, correct leaks and drainage issues, and avoid allowing soil or landscaping materials to create direct contact with structural wood.
Regularly inspect areas around your foundation, plumbing penetrations, garages, patios and other places where termites may gain access. Keeping these areas visible also makes it easier to spot mud tubes or other changes early.
A trained termite professional can identify conducive conditions, look for evidence of activity and recommend protection based on your home and the termite species involved.
Schedule a Free Termite Inspection
The best way to check for an infestation of drywood or subterranean termites is to call a pest management professional. At Blue Sky, we offer a free, no-obligation termite inspection to assess your home for damage and possible infestations.
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension does not recommend tackling a termite infestation on your own, as it can be difficult to treat without the proper knowledge, products, and equipment.
At Blue Sky Pest Control, our Arizona-focused team understands that identifying the termite species is an important first step toward choosing the right protection. Our licensed technicians and board-certified entomologist are trained to recognize termite activity and evaluate the conditions around your property.
If you’ve spotted termites, mud tubes, frass or other signs of activity, schedule a free termite inspection with us today to get a clearer picture of what’s happening at your home.
