Termites are common in Arizona’s diverse climate. They consume wood and other cellulose-based materials, posing a concern for homeowners. Understanding their appearance and activity signs helps identification.
Key Termite Species in Arizona
Arizona is home to several termite species, with subterranean and drywood termites being the most frequently encountered. Subterranean termites, including the Desert Subterranean and Arid-Land Subterranean termites, establish large colonies underground. The Desert Subterranean termite primarily inhabits southern Arizona, thriving in hot, dry conditions and feeding on desert plants or structural timbers. The Arid-Land Subterranean termite is widespread across the western United States, including Arizona, found in deserts, canyons, river lowlands, and at higher altitudes.
Drywood termites, such as the Western Drywood termite, differ from subterranean counterparts by not requiring soil contact, living entirely within infested wood. They are often found in areas with lower moisture, like attics, furniture, or structural wood. The Desert Dampwood termite is also present in Arizona, though less commonly associated with structural damage to homes. This species prefers wood with high moisture, such as decaying trees or wood in contact with the ground.
Identifying Arizona Termites
Recognizing the physical characteristics of different termite castes is key to identification. Subterranean termite swarmers (winged reproductives) are typically dark brown to black and about 1/2 inch long, including their wings. Their wings are nearly clear, with visible veins, and are roughly equal in size.
Subterranean workers resemble light-colored or cream-colored ants. Subterranean soldiers are similar in size to adult reproductives, possessing rectangular heads and large mandibles for defense. Desert subterranean soldiers have slender, straight mandibles, while arid-land soldiers have broader, darker heads with nearly straight jaws.
Western Drywood termite swarmers are dark brown with smoky-black wings, about 1/2 inch long. These alates have two sets of equally long wings that extend beyond their bodies and are often shed after swarming. Drywood workers are soft-bodied and pale to light brown, measuring about 3/8 inch, while soldiers are larger, 5/8 to 1 inch, with orange heads and black pincers. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not have a true worker caste; instead, immature termites (nymphs) perform the labor. Desert Dampwood termites are generally larger than other species, 3/4 to 1 inch long, and typically brown or yellowish.
Signs of Termite Presence
Even when hidden, termites often leave visible evidence of their activity. Subterranean termites construct distinctive mud tubes, pencil-sized tunnels made of soil, wood, and termite saliva and feces. These earthy brown tubes allow termites to travel between underground nests and wood sources, protected from dry air and predators. Working tubes are common on foundations or walls; exploratory tubes are thinner and may branch; drop tubes extend from wood to soil.
Drywood termites, which do not build mud tubes, instead produce fecal pellets, known as frass. These tiny, hard, oval-shaped pellets, less than 1/32 inch long, have six concave sides. Frass varies in color depending on the wood consumed and often accumulates in small piles resembling sawdust or coffee grounds near “kick-out holes” in infested wood. Damaged wood also indicates termite presence; it may appear hollowed, tunneled, or have a blistering or darker surface. Over time, damage can lead to sagging floors or ceilings as insects consume the wood’s interior. Discarded wings, particularly near windowsills or light sources, also indicate a recent termite swarm.
Termites Versus Ants
Distinguishing termites from ants, especially winged swarmers, can be challenging due to superficial similarities. A key difference lies in their antennae: termites have straight, bead-like antennae, while ants have distinctly elbowed antennae. Body shape also provides a clear distinction. Termites have a broad waist, giving a uniform, rectangular appearance. In contrast, ants possess a narrow, pinched waist, creating three distinct body segments.
Wing characteristics are another reliable indicator. Termite swarmers have two pairs of equally sized wings that extend beyond their body. These wings are fragile and readily shed after swarming. Conversely, flying ants have two pairs of unequal wings; the front wings are noticeably larger than the hind wings.