Arizona has two major termite threats: subterranean termites which build mud tubes from the soil, and drywood termites which live entirely within the wood they eat with no soil contact required. Drywood termites are particularly insidious because they leave fewer visible signs and can infest furniture, framing, trim, and structural wood without any connection to the ground. The western drywood termite (Incisitermes minor) is the most common species in Arizona and is found throughout the Phoenix metro area, Tucson, and surrounding communities. A mature drywood termite colony can contain 2,500 to 10,000 individuals and cause significant structural damage over several years.

The most reliable sign of drywood termites is frass — tiny, six-sided fecal pellets that look like sawdust or coffee grounds, found in small piles below infested wood. Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites push their frass out of the wood through small kick-out holes. You may also notice blistered or hollow-sounding wood, small holes in wood surfaces, and swarmers (winged reproductives) emerging in spring and fall. Drywood termite swarmers are often confused with flying ants — the key difference is that termite swarmers have equal-length wings, a thick waist, and straight antennae, while flying ants have unequal wings, a pinched waist, and elbowed antennae.

Treatment options for drywood termites include localized wood injection (drilling and injecting insecticide directly into infested wood), fumigation (tenting the entire structure with sulfuryl fluoride gas, which kills all termites in all life stages), and heat treatment. Fumigation is the most thorough option for widespread infestations but requires vacating the home for 2-3 days. Localized treatment is appropriate for small, contained infestations. Pest Control Bros provides termite inspections and treatment referrals across Maricopa, Chandler, Casa Grande, Tempe, Gilbert, and Mesa. Contact us for a free inspection.