Termite Control Tempe: Wintering Termites
The Termite Control Tempe Team is always looking for ways to educate the consumer on termites and other pests that invade Arizona homes. Termites are one of the most interesting creatures in the insect world, in spite of the destruction they may cause. Imagine being able to control your environment to within one degree Celsius. Imagine being able to raise or lower your metabolism in order to survive fierce temperature changes. Imagine having the ability to build structures and farm your own food, all from the same basic ingredients. These are some of the traits discussed in a handbook on termites by Professor Arnold Mallis.
The main problem with insects in winter is that most people believe they are gone or dead. That is not the case with the subterranean termite. Termites and many other insects find safe harbor from the winter weather by staying warm inside homes with central heating. This also works when the temperatures climb in the summertime and insects use shade, moisture and the cold central AC inside our homes to avoid dehydration. In pest management, one of the most common ways to rid a home if an infestation is to use chemicals that dehydrate the individuals and carry on a residual effect that is transmitted to the rest of the colony during social contact such as grooming.
According to the professor, there are also problems presented to the termite colonies when there is too much moisture.
Termite Control and Moisture Content:
It is estimated that accurate wood moisture readings above 15 percent could indicate conditions sufficient to support subterranean termite activity, but moisture meter readings in this range do not necessarily indicate termite presence. “Not much” is often all that can be said about the minimum moisture requirements of above ground infestations. Correcting existing moisture problems is often a requisite for eliminating subterranean termite populations persisting above ground.
Too much water, however, can be lethal to termites. Reductions in foraging populations of Reticulitermes following prolonged periods of rainfall and saturated soil conditions in Georgia have been observed. Subterranean termites escape drowning not by abandoning their galleries but by entering a state of quiescence for up to several hours. Flooding associated with hurricanes also can diminish termite numbers. Significant reductions in Formosan termite populations occurred in flooded areas of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, although some populations subsequently recovered possibly by persisting above ground in tree cavities. Under normal rainfall conditions, enough time usually occurs for excessive amounts of water to move through the subterranean galleries. The dampwood termites are extremely tolerant to moisture and have been found in water-logged wood, water tanks and in harbor structures directly over water.
After Hurricane Sandy, even though winter was fast approaching, pest management professionals were already warning of extreme termite problems in the future. Once the flood waters receded, it was only a matter of time before surviving insects would make their way to the homes that were still standing. While Arizona hasn’t had a hurricane, last year’s monsoons could be this year’s pest population boom.
Termite Control Chandler has every hope that Arizona will have a mild termite season with respect to the damper climates across the country. In preparation for the spring swarming season, don’t forget to schedule your annual termite inspection. Your professional will layout a plan of action to keep your home free of termites and other pests that may have used your house as a safe haven.
If you haven’t had a termite inspection in a while, it’s important that you take the time to schedule one as soon as possible. Termite Control is only as good as your last check-up, so contact us for your free termite inspection.
Tempe, AZ.
Termite Control Arizona
1753 E Broadway
STE #101
Tempe AZ 85282
(480) 630-3019
License # 8918
