New Homes Today Magazine
Arizona Pest Patrol
Prevent Unwanted Houseguests
By Linda Harrington
The Arizona deserts are full of interesting insects. In fact, entomologists and other insect enthusiasts love to visit Arizona to explore and collect specimens. Although there are a variety of insects, the two species that seem to draw the most attention from homeowners are scorpions and termites. Entomological interest aside, no one wants to deal with a costly home invasion by these desert creatures.
The Bark Scorpion
Out of the many species of scorpions, the one most feared is the Bark Scorpion. This little creature ranges in size from one-eighth of an inch to about 3 inches when fully grown, and is unique because it is capable of walking on an inverted surface. They have a very painful sting that can be dangerous to some, especially those with allergies or other health issues.
Scorpions have an extra thick exoskeleton, to prevent them from drying out in the heat and help them retain what liquid they do consume. The Bark scorpion may enter homes in search of food and water. With its pale pink to almost clear color, it blends well with most surfaces, making it hard to notice.
Extra precautions should be taken to ensure your home is well sealed around doors, windows, vents and other areas, to prevent scorpions and other insects from entering your home. It is also important to trim trees and shrubs away from the home. Branches touching the home are an excellent route for insects to reach your home without being seen.
Termite Prevention
In Arizona, the subterranean termite, namely the Heterotermes Aureus species, is most common. This termite is very small and needs only a sixty-fourth of an inch opening to enter your home. Termites must maintain moisture, because they have soft bodies and desiccate quickly in the dry air. To maintain this moisture, they build tubes out of saliva and fecal material. These tubes look like small mud lines that span any surface through which termites cannot tunnel.
Generally, you'll first notice these tubes on the concrete stem wall at the foundation of a home. This could be the first indication that you have termites. These insects seek cellulose, which means they will feed on surfaces containing cellulose such as wood, drywall with a paper backing, cabinets, door and window frames, and most of the items you bring into your home.
However, the termite must maintain contact with the soil to maintain the moisture it needs. Some of the places it can find that moisture include surfaces around leaky plumbing, improperly drained soil and poor drainage around a home's foundation or walls, which may constantly be sprayed by sprinklers. Homeowners should keep these situations in mind to help reduce conditions conducive to termite infestation.
Most homes are treated prior to construction to prevent termites from entering the home. This treatment consists of creating a chemical barrier between the foundation of the home and the soil below and around it. Remember, this treatment zone should not be disturbed. This means that any new landscape plants or irrigation lines should keep a distance of at least two feet from the stem wall. If porches, patios or sidewalks—which generally rest against the stem wall after initial construction—are added, the area should be treated prior to pouring concrete or adding pavers. This is another way for homeowners to reduce their chances of termite infestation and also prevent voiding any termite warranty they may have. A well-established and maintained chemical barrier between your house and the termites is the best line of defense.
With long sunny days and heavenly winter weather, Arizona is a great place to live even among the creatures of the desert. Taking a few precautions and learning about your surroundings will help make life a little more comfortable in the expanse of your home.
Linda Harrington is the Director of Training for SOS Exterminating. She holds a Qualifying Party License and additional certification categories through the Office of Pest Management, the regulating agency for the structural pest control industry.
