Termite Management - March 10, 2004 Jeff Schalau, County Director, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County Arizona has 17 of the 45 species of termites known to exist in the United States. While people often view termites as a pest, they make many positive contributions to the world's ecosystems. Their greatest contribution is the role they play in recycling wood and plant material. Their tunneling efforts also help to ensure that soils are porous, contain nutrients, and are healthy enough to support plant growth. In our homes and other structures, they can cause damage to wood and compromise structural integrity. In our homes and other structures, termites can cause damage to wood and compromise structural integrity. The first step in successful pest management is correct identification. The next step is to gain and understanding of that particular species’ biology and habitat requirements. In addition, termite management requires a working knowledge of building construction. Information about biology and identification is available on-line (see below) and in the Yavapai County Cooperative Extension offices. However, it is advisable to hire a reputable, professional pest control company to carry out your inspection and control program. As in any pest control program, prevention is the most effective strategy. This can be accomplished through proper building design and using termite resistant construction materials in the appropriate areas. Some recommendations follow. Keep all substructural wood at least 12 inches above the soil beneath the building. Identify and correct other structural deficiencies that attract or promote termite infestations. Stucco siding that reaches the ground promotes termite infestations. Keep attic and foundation areas well ventilated and dry. Use screening over attic vents and seal other openings, such as knotholes and cracks, to discourage the entry of winged drywood termites. Although screening of foundation vents or sealing other openings into the substructure helps block the entry of termites, these procedures may interfere with adequate ventilation and increase moisture problems, especially if a very fine mesh is used in the screening. Inspect utility and service boxes attached to the building to see that they are sealed and do not provide shelter or a point of entry for termites. Reduce chances of infestation by removing or protecting any wood in contact with the soil. Look for and remove tree stumps, stored lumber, untreated fence posts, and buried scrap wood near the structure that may attract termites. Consult your local city building codes before beginning repairs or modifications. Recent research has proved the effectiveness of foundation sand barriers for subterranean termite control. Sand with particle sizes in the range of 10 to 16 mesh is used to replace soil around the foundation of a building and sometimes in the crawl space. Subterranean termites are unable to construct their tunnels through the sand and therefore cannot invade wooden structures resting on the foundation. Stainless steel screening may also be available soon as a physical barrier for subterranean termites. In the past, chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides (e.g., chlordane) and organophosphates (chlorpyrifos) were extensively used for termite control but many of these materials have been phased out because of health and environmental concerns. Termiticides currently available are not as persistent, but they are safer for humans, non-target organisms, and the environment. Again, it is recommended that these insecticides be applied by professionals licensed by the Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission. Termite identification, biology, and management information is available at the following web sites: University of Arizona Urban Integrated Pest Management (IPM) (ag.arizona.edu/urbanipm/), University of California IPM (axp.ipm.ucdavis.edu), and the Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission (www.sb.state.az.us). The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension has publications and information on gardening and pest control. If you have other gardening questions, call the Master Gardener line in the Cottonwood office at 646-9113 ext. 14 or E-mail us at mgardener@verdeonline.com and be sure to include your address and phone number. Find past Backyard Gardener columns or submit column ideas at the Backyard Gardener web site: http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/. Back to Backyard Gardener Home Page

Arizona Cooperative Extension Yavapai County 840 Rodeo Dr. #C Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 445-6590

Last Updated: March 4, 2004 Content Questions/Comments: jschalau@ag.arizona.edu Legal Disclamer