The majority of termite infestations in Arizona start in the spring and summer, when mature insects swarm and breed. However, these pests will invade almost any property with vulnerable wood that they can access. Colonies can tunnel through a lot of wood before being discovered, occasionally even traveling across property lines.
Termites are active year-round and are more likely to infest properties where the wood is either touching the soil or it is damp and decaying. Properties with a large colony nearby are also more likely to experience an infestation.
Termite infestations usually start out very small, making them difficult to detect. Most people won’t notice they have termites until a few years down the line, when the colony is mature and the damage is apparent. As the infestation grows, it will also be able to cause even more damage; a queen can lay up to 30,000 eggs in a day, so colonies can grow to contain hundreds of thousands of individual insects. Colonies this size have been known to destroy up to a pound of wood in a single day.
Just because a neighbor has termites doesn’t automatically mean you also have an infestation, though it is a possibility. Especially if your home was built at around the same time as theirs, some contaminated building materials could have been used in both structures. Additionally, swarmers may spread from their property to yours in the spring or summer.
That said, don’t panic just yet. Instead, contact your local termite experts for an inspection. They’ll be able to examine your entire property for signs of termites and help you address any vulnerabilities that could lead to an infestation.
Termites usually form new colonies after swarming in the late spring or early summer. During a swarm, winged termites that are ready to reproduce will come together to establish a new colony. Outside of swarming, termites may spread by traveling through soil – especially subterranean termites, which often build mud tubes to move safely from place to place.
Since termites are year-round pests, it’s important to take precautions to prevent them from invading your space. Whether you suspect you have termites or you want to ensure your property is always protected, the experts at can help. Just give us a call today to get started!
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