Termites all over the back yard (Tucson: how much, new house, landscaping)

[Tornado of Souls]

Here's the deal.. brand new home, constructed a year ago. Has full termite warranty and had treatment when it was built.

Last summer I had termites swarming the entire yard, lasted about a week and then I didn't see them anymore. I stopped worrying about it.

Tonight, Another swarm and they are crawling all over the back yard, even on the patio. Am I worrying over nothing, is this normal?

[azdr0710]

are you sure they're termites?.....

[Marcy1210]

Did you get a lot of rain? Termites seems to come out and "swarm" after a rain, and when it dries out, they go back where they came from. I'd call the company that did the treatment and have them do it again, especially if there's warranty.

[jdi77]

Oh dear...I've only been here about a month and I haven't seen any termites....I'm not even sure I'd know it if I saw one (I should probably Google that)...anyway, I'd definitely call the company back again and get them out there.

[Tornado of Souls]

Thanks for the replies. Yea, I'm sure they're termites. I spent quite a bit of time looking them up (and I did get a good look). There are wings all over the patio now.

I'm having someone come out today to look at the yard, but I don't see any out there right now. It happened right during the rain we had last night. I will see what they say today and report back here.. crossing my fingers they're not eating my house

Edit: for anyone curious as to what they look like: http://www.termiteinstitutepartners....bterranean.jpg

[RickTucsonHomes]

Originally Posted by jdi77

Oh dear...I've only been here about a month and I haven't seen any termites....I'm not even sure I'd know it if I saw one (I should probably Google that)...anyway, I'd definitely call the company back again and get them out there.

Termites are very common here, it's not a matter of if you will get them, it's when you will get them. Preventive maintance will save you money in the long term. There was another thread on this not too long ago. Termites need moisture to survive. So be aware when landscaping how many plants you put right up against your house and how much water they will require.

[ji603]

Don't sweat it! Outside is good and natural, swarmers in the house, not so much. Some figures put the termites colonies at hundreds per square acre. Happens every year when the termite alates swarm, lose their wings, and drop to ground. Most die before they can establish a new colony.


Call up the termite company, or if you feel like doing it yourself, buy Premise HX or Termidor concentrate at a local pest supply store. Dilute according to directions, make a little trench around your house, then pour it down.

Don't sweat it - AZ termites aren't like south east termites buzzing through your new house. They pretty much just eat the paper off the back of the drywall.

[Tornado of Souls]

Thanks ji603, you've helped to ease my mind. I had Truly Nolen out today, and the tech didn't seem all that concerned either. I think that since i back to a wash area with lots of trees, there must be a colony back there and they swarm the area and end up in my yard.

It's a scary sight, seeing your whole yard crawling with them. I'm going to keep my eye out for holes/tunnels, but at least I'm not in panic mode anymore.

[tickyul]

Originally Posted by RickTucsonHomes

Termites are very common here, it's not a matter of if you will get them, it's when you will get them. Preventive maintance will save you money in the long term. There was another thread on this not too long ago. Termites need moisture to survive. So be aware when landscaping how many plants you put right up against your house and how much water they will require.

Yeah, I was talking to a pest control guy sho does treatment for termites and also repairs the damage. He siad that he had been in the business for over 20 years. He said all of the things that can be done to prevent termite infestation and damage is good.............but.......them termites are going to eventually get to the wood and damage it.